The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimates that due to drought, Mexico will produce 6,294,000 tons of citrus fruits in the 2011-2012 season, a drop of 17.4%.
Last year, Mexico was one of the biggest suppliers of oranges, lemons and grapefruits. Now, the industry is somewhat in a rut. Especially the Mexican orange is giving growers headaches, as harvest dropped with 22%, or 3,200,000 tons.
The USDA also predicted a 5.6% drop in Mexico’s lemon production, up to 1,700,000 tons. One in four of the world’s lemons comes from Mexico.
“The production of lemons and limes is estimated to be 6.4 million tons, a decline of 4%,” according to the report by the USDA. “The decline is mostly caused by droughts in Mexico and freezing temperatures in Argentina.”
Mexico is expected to produce 300,000 tons of grapefruit this season, a 23.9% drop compared to last season. The overall production of oranges will likely see a 6.8% drop, up to 51,107,000 tons, due to decreasing revenue, not just in Mexico, but in Brazil and the EU as well.
However, in spite of the difficulties, Mexico is expected to regain some of its former strength, as it is more than likely that it will be world leader in lemon export again next year. Also, Mexico will maintain its position as the 7th largest exporter of grapefruit, with an estimated 15,000 tons. The predicted export of oranges wasn’t covered in the rapport, but national consumption is up and estimated to be around 2,515,000 tons.
Source: Eleconomista