EU citrus imports mixed as orange volumes hit 342,000 tons

EU citrus imports continue to show mixed trends across product categories, as illustrated by the latest cumulative import data for oranges, small citrus, lemons, and grapefruits. Orange imports into the EU for the 2024/2025 season (red line) reached 224,000 tons in Jan, 272,000 tons in Feb, and 342,000 tons in Mar. This represents a moderate increase over the five-year average for the same period but still trails the record pace set in the 2023/2024 season (green line), which had already reached 386,000 tons by Mar. South Africa remains the dominant supplier early in the season.

In contrast, imports of small citrus (including mandarins, clementines, and tangerines) are performing slightly above the five-year average. By Jan, volumes reached 179,000 tons in the 2024/2025 season, rising to 231,000 tons in Feb and 276,000 tons in Mar. This is just above both the 2023/2024 level and the five-year trend. Morocco and Spain continue to play leading roles in this segment, contributing significantly to early-season supply.

Lemon imports into the EU for the 2024/2025 season are closely aligned with recent trends. In Jan, cumulative imports stood at 95,000 tons, increasing to 105,000 tons in Feb and 111,000 tons in Mar. While generally following the five-year average, lemon volumes remain slightly below the figures observed during the 2023/2024 season, which reached 120,000 tons by April. Türkiye and Argentina are the main contributors to current lemon imports, especially during the winter months.

Grapefruit imports have lagged behind the five-year average in the 2024/2025 season. The EU imported 92,000 tons by Jan, 101,000 tons by Feb, and 107,000 tons by Mar—well below both the five-year average and the 2023/2024 trend. Imports have flattened since Jan, with little growth into Mar, suggesting lower demand or tighter supply. China and Türkiye remain key sources of grapefruit during this period, with notable declines in volumes from the U.S. and Israel compared to previous years.

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For more information:
European Commission
Email: fpi-info@ec.europa.eu
www.agriculture.ec.europa.eu