Several factors are expected in a significant drop in Chilean citrus exports, most of which typically are bound for the U.S. Among the challenges this season because there are the
increasing cost of logistics, which have practically doubled. Added to this are the problems arising from COVID. In the Chinese market there are still many restrictions, and although in other countries they have been decreasing, Chile is still facing the consequences of the pandemic. And last, but not least, is the drought that has been dragging on in Chile for more than a decade.
Clementines will be the most affected, for this season an export volume of 45,000 tons is expected, which represents a 35 percent decrease when compared to 2021, due to the drought in Chile.
The U.S. received 88 percent of all Chilean citrus exports in 2021, with 97 percent of clementines and mandarins shipped to the U.S.
In the case of mandarins that are later, the The Chilean Citrus Committee projects a season not very different from the previous one, and although it is not growing much in volume, there are new plantations, so it is estimated that it will reach 120,000 tons this year, 5 percent less than the previous season.
With lemons, it is a little early to provide precise estimates, however, a volume of 90,000 tons is currently projected, which is equivalent to 11 percent less than the previous season.
For oranges, an export volume of 90,000 tons is projected, which would represent 13 percent less when compared to 2021.