Orange export volumes down 10%

SA orange exporters are experiencing the same sales drop-off this year as other Southern hemisphere citrus producers, the Citrus Growers Association (CGA) reports. With the citrus season nearing an end, the final shipments of navels are not expected to improve the picture, with 2009 volume totals down 10% from preseason estimates. “As predicted, trading conditions were difficult in the EU countries – with exports to northern Europe decreasing from 5.5-million 15-kilogram cartons in 2008 to 4-m cartons; southern Europe from 1.8-m in 2008 to 1.2 m; and UK from 1.9-m to 1.6-m,” said Justin Chadwick, CEO for CGA, who added that, overall, the EU imported 2.4-m fewer cartons of navels than last year. The other smaller market areas each fared differently, although increases in volumes were predominantly on the up-and-up. While shipments to the US were down a quarter, exports to the Middle East doubled. Those going to Russia increased from 800 000 cartons to 1.4-m and the Far East saw a 15% increase. All Southern hemisphere orange exporters took a hit this year except Australia, which bounced back from drought devastation that decimated its exports last year. Argentina shipments were down by 36%; Chile by 40%; Peru by 73%; and Uruguay by 24%. South Africa’s drop of 4% was relatively mild. The recession-hit EU market will import 37% less Southern hemisphere oranges this year; with a lot of locally grown product still in warehouses.