Australia produced 273 thousand tons of oranges in 2017 and nearly 40% of those (around 70 thousand tons) were exported to China. The current harvest season began in early May. Demand is expected to exceed supply. The orange export to China is expected to grow. Queensland, the Northern Territories, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, and West Australia have a combined surface area of 25 thousand hectares devoted to orange orchards, and the harvest of 9,2000 hectares is destined for export to China.
The Cara Cara Navel orange, a variety with red fruit flesh, receives a particularly warm welcome on the Chinese market. The price of Cara Cara Navel oranges can reach 1300 USD per ton. The Chinese middle class has "a desire for high-quality fruit" and is "willing to pay relatively high prices". Fruit farmers can therefore expect a considerable profit. Australian oranges are exported to 57 countries but 90% of their trade is aimed at 14 countries, 12 of which are in Asia. Australian orange orchard owners hope to increase the cultivation of nursery stock by 20% in the next 5-10 years.
Source: china-fruit.com.cn