Chilean growers exported 492,955 tons of citrus during the 2025 season, up from 397,674 tons in 2024, says Frutas de Chile, which markets Chilean citrus.
“Demand remained solid in key export markets, especially the U.S., which continues to be Chile’s primary destination for citrus exports,” says Karen Brux, Frutas de Chile’s managing director for North America.
The U.S. accounted for more than 90% of mandarin and orange exports, she says. Mandarin exports to the U.S. were 173,285 tons, up from 126,041 tons in 2024; orange exports were 111,111 tons, up from 97,296 tons; clementine exports were 69,724 tons, up from 50,353 tons; lemon exports dropped from 60,384 tons to 56,510 tons.
Forecasts for the 2026 season had not been released as of press time, but growers were “expecting a great season,” Brux says.
Chile’s 2025 citrus season delivered strong overall export growth, driven primarily by increased mandarin, clementine and lemon volume along with favorable growing conditions across the main production regions, Brux says.
“The season benefited from favorable winter chill, good rainfall and strong spring fruit set, which contributed to excellent fruit quality and sizing,” she says.
Building Better
Chile’s citrus industry continues to invest heavily in automation, sustainability and export infrastructure, Brux adds.
“Modern packing facilities increasingly use advanced optical sorting and traceability technologies to meet the strict quality standards required by premium international markets, particularly the U.S. and Asia,” she says.
From a marketing standpoint, Frutas de Chile’s Chilean Citrus Fruit Committee expanded its promotional programs in the U.S. and Japan throughout the 2025 season, Brux says.
“Programs focused on retail partnerships, point-of-sale activity, social media outreach and consumer education to help drive citrus consumption and reinforce Chile’s position as a reliable supplier of high-quality fresh citrus during the Northern Hemisphere summer months,” she says.
The same is planned for 2026, she adds.
