China's orange production will reach 7.6 million tons in MY2022/23

Date:01-23-2023

After several years of consistent growth, China’s citrus production in marketing year (MY) 2022/23 is expected to remain steady as the market deals with continuing COVID challenges, unfavorable weather, and phytosanitary issues. Orange production is expected to increase slightly, despite key production areas being hit by the summer drought.

Tangerine and mandarin production is forecast downward by 500,000 metric tons (MT) in MY 2022/23, as farmers deal with unfavorable weather and citrus greening disease. Grapefruit production is also forecasted down by 50,000 MT. Despite economic woes, citrus demand remains strong. as Health-conscious consumers, aided by an expanding e-commerce sector, seek out products rich in vitamin C.

Production of oranges

Orange production in MY 2022/23 will reach 7.6 million metric tons (MMT). The forecast is based on increased production in new planting areas (i.e., Hubei, Yunnan, Hunan) offsetting navel orange production decreases in Jiangxi province. Jiangxi remains the largest navel orange growing area in China, but production this year was heavily affected by drought and high temperatures during the summer months.

Figure 1. China’s Citrus Production (Source: China’s Yearly Book 2022, chart made by ATO Guangzhou)

Jiangxi farmers noted that regional production was down 10-20 percent, while the fruit was generally smaller in size with higher brix levels. Meanwhile, growers continue investing in Hubei and expect higher orange yields in the coming two years. In addition, Yunnan, Guangxi, and Hainan are expected to have increased production of other sweet oranges (i.e., Bingtang, green oranges).

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