New record for citrus exports

New record for citrus exports

9-Mar-2017

Citrus exports posted new records for volume and value in 2016, as international demand for Australia’s high quality fruit continues.

Total citrus exports reached almost 220,000 tonnes – an increase of 7.4% on 2015 – with a reported FOB value of $A328.5 million, an increase of 17.2%.

Citrus Australia Market Manager, David Daniels, said orange exports totalled 166,000t (A$223m), while mandarin exports totalled 49,000t (A$95m). Around 3400 tonnes of lemons and 1000 tonnes of grapefruit were also exported.

China is now the top market, with just under 40,000 tonnes ($A72m) exported in 2016. Japan followed close behind at around 38,000 tonnes, with a value of $A54m.

“Hong Kong also recorded strong volumes, although a substantial decrease on the previous season with around 30,000 tonnes exported this season, down from 45,000 tonnes in 2015,” David said.

“However, trade volumes into Greater China (Hong Kong, Taiwan and mainland China) appear to be quite static at around 75,000 tonnes per annum.”

The United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia all recorded volumes around the 12,000t mark. The United States has continued to decline somewhat to 9000 tonnes from 10,000t last season.

Thailand grew by close to 25% to just under 9000 tonnes, mostly mandarins (~8000 tonnes) and ~1000 tonnes oranges. Queensland exporters had the lion’s share of Thailand at around 7500 tonnes. South Australia sent around 1000 tonnes and only small volumes from other states.

“Canada and the Philippines both provided small surprises, recording volumes just over 6000t. Vietnam was just over 3000t, whereas previously the record was 1300t,” David said.

In terms of total exports, Victoria leads at 38% of the total, followed by South Australia at 32%.

“While Victorian exports increased this season by 10%, South Australia actually fell by 1%.”

Queensland exports increased by 12%, NSW increased by 16% while WA had the highest improvement (43%) but coming off a low base.

Exports from Western Australia totalled 2040t, up from 1400t last season.