Peruvian mandarin/tangerine production is forecast down slightly at 550,000 metric tons in the marketing year 2023-24 (March 2023 to February 2024), with exports expected to increase by 1% to reach 222,000 metric tons in the marketing year, the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service said in its semi-annual report on Peruvian citrus. This volume would be similar to the previous season.
“Despite a late start to the harvest season due to unusually warm weather, producers expect a solid crop later in the year,” the report said.
Citrus exports to the U.S. are expected to fall slightly to 122,000 metric tons but will likely remain Peru’s top market, the report said.
USDA shipment data indicated the top volume month for U.S. imports of Peruvian tangerines/mandarins was August, when 40% of Peru’s 2022 volume arrived in the U.S. Other top volume months were July (14%), September (20%), June (11%) and October (6%).
Last season, Peru exported 63% of its mandarins/tangerines to the U.S., with 8% shipped to the United Kingdom and 8% to Holland. Peru’s mandarin/tangerine planted area is estimated at 54,360 acres, the report said.
The major mandarin/tangerine production areas in Peru are in the central, semi-tropical coastal regions with good availability of water, of which the regions of Lima, Junín and Ica represent 85% of the country’s production of mandarins and tangerines, the report said.
Approximately 50% of Peru’s overall production achieves the size, color and flavor profile (acidity and sweetness) demanded by the international market, the report said.
Currently, government data indicates there are 379 mandarin/tangerine orchards in Peru, with 30 packing and treatment facilities, according to the report.