EU citrus imports for the 2024/25 season show mixed results across product categories, with total volumes for oranges and small citrus exceeding last year, while lemons and grapefruits present different dynamics.
Oranges
EU orange imports from October 2024 to September 2025 reached 934,334 tons, nearly identical to the 933,497 tons recorded in 2023/24 and slightly above the five-year average of 897,146 tons.
© European Commission
South Africa supplied 463,263 tons, a sharp increase on last season's 317,136 tons, while Egypt shipped 345,054 tons, down 30% from the previous season's 494,209 tons. Imports from Zimbabwe also rose to 41,686 tons, while Morocco and Argentina supplied 17,599 and 22,454 tons, respectively.
Oranges from Egypt
Egypt's shipments fell well below recent years. Imports totaled 345,054 tons, a 30% decline from 2023/24 and also below the five-year average of 343,880 tons. The largest drops occurred in March (44% down year-on-year) and July (50% down).
© European Commission
Oranges from South Africa
South African orange exports to the EU rose to 463,263 tons, up 46% compared to 2023/24 and 20% above the five-year average of 386,934 tons. Shipments accelerated from June onwards, with September volumes at 132,443 tons compared with 94,905 tons in September 2023.
Small citrus
Small citrus imports increased strongly, reaching 555,155 tons compared to 482,189 tons in 2023/24 and a five-year average of 439,592 tons. South Africa was the largest supplier at 213,654 tons, while Morocco followed with 137,945 tons, more than 80% above last season. Türkiye shipped 64,120 tons, Peru 42,387 tons, and Egypt 25,374 tons.
© European Commission
Lemons
EU lemon imports totaled 454,760 tons, up from 357,667 tons in 2023/24 and also higher than the five-year average of 410,947 tons. South Africa supplied 229,641 tons, Türkiye 101,823 tons, and Argentina 71,886 tons.
Grapefruits
Grapefruit imports into the EU fell to 200,711 tons, down from 215,509 tons in 2023/24 and well below the five-year average of 253,708 tons. China exported 66,239 tons, South Africa 83,158 tons, and Türkiye 30,888 tons.
© European Commission
Overall, EU citrus imports in 2024/25 highlight a strong presence of South African supply, contrasted by reduced shipments from Egypt, particularly for oranges, while small citrus and lemons show year-on-year gains.
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For more information:
European Commission
Tel: +32 2 299 96 96
www.agriculture.ec.europa.eu
