Despite challenges related to the slow economy, citrus production in China for marketing year (MY) 2023/24 is expected to continue to grow, outperforming other fruit categories. Growth is anticipated in all citrus crops, resulting from favorable weather and increased yields from replanted trees following bouts of citrus greening disease in previous years. Consumer demand for citrus is expected to remain strong, as Chinese consumers seek to increase their daily intake of Vitamin C. Although trade in citrus is small in comparison to production, noticeable increases in exports could be witnessed if production outpaces consumption.
Guangxi currently represents approximately 30 percent of China’s citrus production. Hunan adding Hubei accounts for 20 percent. Jiangxi remains the largest navel orange growing area. Pomelos produced from Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, and Jiangxi enjoy a good reputation across the country. Sichuan and Chongqing produce late harvest varieties of oranges and tangerines. Yunnan is another promising province suitable for producing multiple citrus fruits, however, some contacts reported that official production in Yunnan province is likely to be underestimated. New growing areas have been created (i.e., Shaanxi, Guizhou), but these two provinces currently represent only a fraction of China’s production.
Click here to read the full report.
Source: apps.fas.usda.gov