Argentine citrus exports increased significantly in the first eight months. Between January and August, shipments of lemons, oranges, mandarins, and byproducts totaled 366,000 tons, representing a 21% increase over the same period in the previous year. Exports surpassed $408 million, a 27% increase, according to data from the Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries (SAGyP).
Growth was mainly driven by fresh lemons, with exports totaling $140 million and a 43% increase, followed by lemon juice with $87 million (+14% over 2023). Tucumán strengthened its position as the country's leading lemon producer and a significant global exporter.
Other citrus fruits also showed positive growth. Orange juice sales reached $32 million, up 97%, while fresh oranges totaled $24 million, up 64%. Globally, Argentina ranks 15th in orange production and 18th in mandarins.
The sector also stood out for its exports of essential oils, which have a high value per ton within the national agro-industrial market. Lemon essential oil was sold at $23,320 per ton, while other citrus oils were sold at $26,857 per ton, and orange oil was sold at $15,630 per ton. These products are mainly aimed at the food and cosmetics industries.
According to SAGyP, these positive results were achieved thanks to the combined efforts of producers, industrialists, and exporters, along with public policies aimed at strengthening the sector's export profile. The measures implemented include opening new markets, such as Ecuador and Chile, and streamlining administrative procedures by eliminating harvesting permits, reducing tariffs on inputs and capital goods, and digitalizing registers for processing establishments.
Source: dataportuaria.ar
