Global orange production for 2019/20 is forecast to fall 5.8 million tons from the previous year to 47.5 million as unfavourable weather leads to smaller crops in Brazil, Egypt, the European Union, and Morocco. Consequently, consumption, fruit for processing, and fresh exports are also forecast lower.
Brazil’s production is forecast to fall 22 percent to 15.1 million tons due to weather-related problems (warm temperatures and below-average rainfall after the first two blooms and fruit set). Oranges for processing are down 3.9 million tons to 10.4 million, while fresh orange consumption is lowered to 4.7 million tons, the lowest in 4 years.
China’s production is projected up slightly to 7.3 million on favorable weather. Imports are up 3 percent on rising consumer demand for premium, high-quality oranges, and consumption is higher on overall increased supplies. Egypt and South Africa are the top suppliers, accounting for over 70 percent of imports.
U.S. production is forecast to rise 1 percent to 4.9 million tons. Orange production in Florida has been declining for years due to citrus greening, which has decimated groves and increased costs for crop maintenance. Two consecutive years of higher production are a relief after so much decline. Consumption, exports, and fruit for processing are all expected to be up with the production increase.