Peru exported 251,053 tons of citrus from the start of the 2025 season through week 33, which is 16% more than the same period last year, according to Sergio del Castillo Valderrama, the general manager of the Association of Citrus Producers of Peru (ProCitrus).
The growth was driven by higher shipments of mandarin, Tahiti lime, Valencia orange, Minneola tangelo, and Eureka lemon. Mandarins accounted for 73% of the volume with 183,448 tons (+10%). The country also exported 36,349 tons of Tahiti lime (+28%), 14,572 tons of orange (+69%), 9,604 tons of Minneola tangelo (+29%), 6,957 tons of Eureka lemon (+143%), 123 tons of grapefruit (-94%), and 20% fewer Sutil limes.
The early mandarins' season (Satsuma, Primosol, and Nova) has already finished, while the season for late varieties, such as W. Murcott, is still underway. Del Castillo stated that the accumulated growth in mandarins might slow throughout the rest of the season, ranging between 8% and 9% by the end.
Last year's mandarin season lasted until late September, but this year it is expected to conclude in the second week of September, with a decrease in volume shipped, he added.
Exports of the Primosol, Nova, and Satsuma varieties increased by 200%, 117%, and 88%, respectively. Clementine exports fell by 5%, and shipments of late mandarins showed mixed results: W. Murcott (-18%) and Malvaceo (-56%) declined, while Tango (+17%) and Orri (+3%) increased. The decrease in W. Murcott exports was due to fewer flowers and higher discards.
The United States remains the top buyer, with 108,000 tons exported through week 33, though this is 5% less than the previous year.
Europe follows with 18% of the market share and a 4% increase, then Central America (9%, +2%), Mexico (8%, +1%), the UK (8%, stable), Canada (5%, +1%), South America (4%, stable), Asia (3%, +1%), and Russia with 1%. In contrast, the US share declined from 53% in 2024 to 43% in 2025.
ProCitrus initially forecasted a 10% increase in citrus exports for this season compared to the 304,447 tons shipped in 2024 (over $350 million). Later, it revised the estimate to 13%. Up to week 33, growth stands at 16%, but it is expected to end between 14% and 15% due to limited late-mandarin availability.
The association explained that the strong performance partly results from the recovery of early varieties, such as Satsuma, which faced weather issues in 2024. The season of the Star Ruby grapefruit remains uncertain; so far, only 120 tons have been exported, representing a 94% decrease compared to the 2,000 tons exported during the same period last year.
Source: agraria.pe
