The adverse and extreme weather conditions recorded in the Spanish production areas since the flowering and fruit setting due to excessive rainfall, as well as the very high temperatures reached during the fruit's growth (with no rainfall and limitations in access to irrigation), as well as the delay in the previous harvest, have led to the expected production being estimated at 5,794 million tons, the lowest since the 2012/13 season.
Oranges and lemons are the crops experiencing the greatest decline.
In Andalusia, the impact of last year's drought and the restrictions on irrigation have significantly affected the yields. The orange production has been reduced by 32% (-608,000 t) compared to the 2021/22 season and by 24% (-409,000 t) compared to the average.
Globally, there have also been significant setbacks in the Region of Valencia and the Region of Murcia, where productions stand 15% and 18% below the average.
Total Spanish citrus exports and imports
In the 2022/23 campaign (between September 2022 and January 2023) Spanish exports amounted to 1.7 million tons; 10.2% less than last season and 15.6% below the average of the previous five.
In terms of value, they reached 1,878 million Euro, which is 4.3% more than in the 2021/22 season and +6.2% above the average.
In terms of volume, imports amounted to 111,180 tons, which is 8% less than in the 2021/22 season and -7.3% below average. In terms of value, they amounted to 101.6 million Euro; 6.3% more than in the previous season and +2.3% higher than average. The trade balance is highly positive, with a coverage rate of 1,850%.
Source: MAPA/ EUROSTAT