Between January and April of this year Japan imported a total of 77,222 tons of citrus, i.e. 10% less than in the same period of 2017.
The results are variable depending on the species, but what is certain is that no species shows significant growth in recent years. Orange is the most imported citrus but, up until April, even these were down 11%, amounting to 26,592 tons; reflecting a downward trend in the last 3 years.
Grapefruits are the second species in volume, with a total of 21,170 tons imported between January and April, i.e. 22% less than last year. Like oranges, imports of this fruit have also decreased in recent years.
They are followed by lemons with a total of 15,499 tons and no variations from the previous year.
Finally, the group of easy peelers had a 4% growth over the same period of 2017. This is the third consecutive year in which volumes remain at around 13,500 tons.
The United States was Japan's main supplier of citrus during the period analyzed and the decrease of its offer has had a decisive influence on the results of oranges and grapefruits.
It should be noted that other suppliers with lower market shares, such as Mexico and Australia, have increased their exports of oranges by 77% and 315% respectively, but without a greater impact on the total. The same thing happens with grapefruits, where Israel and Mexico have increased exports by 87% and 98%, respectively, but where the 45% drop in the US supply is more relevant.
Source: federcitrus.org