The first quarter of Brazil's 2025/26 orange juice season has shown slower export performance compared with the same period last year, despite the continued tax exemption for Brazilian orange juice entering the United States.
According to Comex Stat data, total juice exports between July and September 2025 reached 199,700 tons, measured in frozen concentrated orange juice equivalent (66ยบ Brix). This represents a 4% decline year-on-year. Export revenue fell by 15% to US$751.3 million, mainly due to lower international prices following strong global supply.
For the first time in several years, export volumes to the United States and the European Union were nearly equal, each accounting for about 48% of total shipments. Exports to the U.S. rose by 13%, underscoring the market's reliance on Brazilian juice. In contrast, exports to the EU declined by 8%, attributed to weaker demand after a period of higher prices and earlier quality concerns. The two markets, therefore, balanced each other in overall trade share.
In addition to external factors, domestic conditions also affected performance. Lower beginning inventories and limited fruit availability at the start of the season constrained export volumes.
With harvesting now intensifying in Brazil and juice processing operations increasing, export activity is expected to recover in the coming months. Shipments to the European Union are anticipated to rise as buyers work to rebuild inventories.
Source: CEPEA
