The Peruvian citrus industry has encountered a significant downturn in its fresh orange export sector during the initial months of 2025. From January to February, exports totaled 63,925 kilograms, generating $55,971 in revenue. This marks a stark contrast to the same period in 2024, when exports reached 212,874 kilograms, valued at $158,568. This represents a 70% decrease in volume and a 65% reduction in value year-over-year.
Despite this decline, the United States continues to be the leading importer of Peruvian oranges, constituting 35% of the total export value. The United Kingdom follows, accounting for 23%, with other markets absorbing the remaining share.
This downturn in fresh orange exports is particularly notable given the previous year’s performance. In 2024, Peru’s orange exports experienced substantial growth, with a 55% increase in volume and a 158% surge in value, totaling 33,521 tons and $42.5 million, respectively. The Netherlands emerged as the primary destination, receiving 62% of shipments, followed by the United States (12%) and the United Kingdom (8%). Notably, frozen oranges constituted 59% of these exports.
The early months of 2025 have presented challenges for Peru’s fresh orange export sector, with significant declines in both volume and value compared to the previous year. While the United States and the United Kingdom remain key markets, the industry may need to explore strategies to counteract this downturn, such as diversifying export products or enhancing competitiveness in traditional markets.
