Chilean citrus forecast predicts back-to-normal exports

The Citrus Committee of ASOEX has released its estimate for the 2023 season, projecting global exports of 345,000 tons, according to a news release.

This estimate is a significant increase across all citrus categories from the 2022 season, in which Chile was negatively impacted by climatic factors, logistical issues and rising freight costs. As a result, citrus exports were consequently down by 32% in 2022.

This season, Chilean citrus exports have returned to normal levels, said the release. Export projections for the 2023 season by the Citrus Committee of ASOEX include:

• Clementines: 55,000 tons.

• Mandarins: 125,000 tons.

• Navel oranges: 90,000 tons.

• Lemons: 75,000 tons.

The U.S. market can expect to receive fruit with favorable sizing, color and flavor, according to the release. Last season's rains helped to alleviate the water deficit, especially in the Coquimbo region, so the Citrus Committee anticipates good sizing.

What’s more, the cool autumn nights and warm days have also had a positive impact on color and brix, according to the release.

The season began the week of April 10, 2023, with the first shipments of clementines including oronule, orogrande and clemenule varieties from early orchards in the Coquimbo region. As of the week of May 8, a total of 3,130 tons of clementines have been shipped to the U.S., according to the release.

The U.S. is Chile’s top export market for citrus

During the 2022 season, the following exports accounted for top Chilean citrus exports, according to the Chilean Fresh Fruit Association:

• Clementines: Exports reached 42,090 tons, with the U.S. was the main destination market, accounting for 99% of total shipments.

• Mandarins: Shipments reached 89,130 tons, with 97% being shipped to the U.S. 

• Oranges: Chile exported 80,623 tons, with the main destination market the U.S., accounting for 92% of shipments.

• Lemons: Shipments totaled 56,260 tons during this past season, and 55% percent of lemons were exported to the U.S., while 38% went to the Far East, 6% to Europe and the remainder were exported to Latin America and Canada.

Chilean citrus growing regions

Chile’s citrus orchards are distributed between the Atacama and O'Higgins regions, with most orchards — totaling 7,549 hectares — located in the Coquimbo region. This is followed by the Metropolitan region with 6,916 hectares and the Valparaíso region with 5,600 hectares.  

In terms of citrus categories, mandarins have the largest planted area, with 11,184 hectares, according to the release.