According to Marta Bentancur, coordinator of International Affairs at Upefruy (Uruguay's Union of Fruit Producers and Exporters), Uruguay's 2025 citrus season produced high-quality fruit despite weather conditions and structural changes in the export sector.
"It was a successful season in terms of receptivity, fruit quality, and prices. However, two frost episodes during the cycle affected the expected export volumes for the three main species: lemons, mandarins, and oranges," Bentancur stated.
© Upefruy
"The decline in lemon exports was not solely caused by weather. One of the world's leading lemon companies, such as San Miguel, no longer exports fresh fruit; instead, all its production goes to the industry," she explained. This has reduced the total volume available for export, which is currently about 5,500 to 6,000 tons. Looking ahead, a recovery is anticipated: "We have companies with nearly 400 hectares planted two or three years ago, which are now starting to produce," she said, estimating a volume of about 20,000 tons by 2028.
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Orange exports stayed similar to the previous season. However, much of Valencia's orange production was going to the juice industry. "With the high prices for juice oranges, part of the production went directly to the industry, with less risk and lower transport costs," Bentancur said.
Mandarins attracted significant attention in the sector, both for their expanding surface area and for their role in foreign trade. "Uruguay is increasing the production of new mandarin varieties. We have over 5,000 hectares starting to produce," she said. About 85-90% of these mandarins are exported to the United States. Europe, on the other hand, imposes a 16% tariff, which has limited their presence in that market.
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Betancur noted that the U.S. tariff, currently set at 10%, "had an impact because in the end, it's the final consumer who is going to have to pay a higher price for the fruit." However, she stated that consumers are really interested in the quality of Uruguayan fruit, especially its colour and flavour.
© Upefruy
Expectations remain high for the EU-Mercosur agreement. "Negotiations have stalled since 2014, but if the EU-Mercosur agreement is signed, it will initiate a 10-year tariff phase-out," she stated. The potential resumption of UK trade post-Brexit is also seen as an opportunity, though re-entry will require significant effort due to existing suppliers.
Finally, Bentancur emphasized the importance of Uruguay's presence at international trade fairs: "What we have noticed is that in the last year they have come to ask for our companies by name."
For more information:
Marta Bentancur
Upefruy
Uruguay
Tel: +598 99 649 334
Email: [email protected]
www.uruguayfruits.com.uy
