Though citrus production for the 2013-2014 season in South Korea is expected to be lower than last season's production, a combination of factors will contribute to a higher quality crop.
Citrus production for the 2013-2014 season could reach 645,000 tons, according to a report by the USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service. That's 3.3 percent less than last year's total, which was 667,000 tons. That dip is due to the cyclical nature of citrus seasons in Korea, where large crops crops are typically followed by lighter crops. Because last year's crop was large, it's normal that the 2013-2014 season's crop is smaller.
But despite less fruit, the fruit will likely be of better quality this year due to no damage incurred during typhoon season. Sugar content is also expected to be higher than in previous years thanks to a 50-day drought during September and October. Combined with less imported fruit, citrus prices are likely to be higher than last year's prices.