Citrus exports down, imports up

U.S. citrus exports dropped 14% in the period from December 2021 through November 2022, but citrus imports surged 15%, according to USDA trade numbers.

U.S. citrus exports for the period totaled $785.1 million, down 14% from the previous year. Oranges and tangerines accounted for 72% of total U.S. citrus exports, compared with 19% for lemons and limes and 5% for grapefruit.

Canada accounted for 26% of U.S. citrus exports in the period, the same share as South Korea. Japan accounted for 17% of U.S. citrus exports and Hong Kong had 6%.

Citrus imports growing

In contrast, U.S. imports of citrus increased by double digits in the latest year. For the period from December 2021 through November 2022, U.S. imports of citrus were $1.82 billion, up 15% from the previous year.

Mexico was the top global supplier of citrus to the U.S., supplying 43% of total imports. Mexico was followed in importance by Chile with 17%, Peru with 11%, Morocco with 10% and South Africa with 7%.

By country, the value of U.S. imports of citrus from December 2021 through November 2021, with percentage change compared with a year ago:

• Mexico: $789 million, up 18%.
• Chile: $304 million, down 31%.
• Peru: $204.9 million, up 71%.
• Morocco: $178 million, up 168%.
• South Africa: $133 million, up 30%.