The U.S. citrus industry shows a mixed production outlook for the 2024–2025 season, according to the USDA, with notable strength in tangerines and lemons, while grapefruit continues its downward trend.
The grapefruit crop is projected at 307,000 tons, marking a 4% decrease from the previous forecast and a 6% decline compared to the final 2023–2024 utilization. While California's output remains steady at 172,000 tons (4.30 million boxes), it is 10% higher than last season, helping to offset some of the broader national decline.
© USDA
In contrast, tangerines and mandarins are driving growth this season. Total U.S. production is forecast at 1.14 million tons, up 8% from the previous forecast and 3% above last year's final utilization. California remains the dominant producer, with an expected 1.12 million tons (28.0 million boxes), up 8% from the previous month and 3% year-over-year.
Lemon production is also on the rise. The national forecast stands at 1.16 million tons, a 1% increase from the prior estimate and 11% above the revised 2023–2024 total. California accounts for much of this volume, contributing 1.08 million tons (27.0 million boxes), a 10% increase year-over-year, though unchanged from the previous forecast.
Source: Mintec/Expana
