Brazil’s Orange Juice Exports Drop 19.7% in First Half of 2024/25 Season

Brazil’s orange juice exports fell 19.7% in the first six months of the 2024/25 season compared to the same period in the previous year, according to the exporters’ group CitrusBR. The country shipped approximately 535,600 metric tons of orange juice during the period, reflecting a decline in supply and shifting market dynamics.

Brazil’s performance as the world’s largest producer and exporter of orange juice is critical to the global market. However, in recent years, adverse weather conditions and the spread of citrus greening, a destructive and incurable disease, have significantly impacted orange production. According to the latest report from Fundecitrus in December, the current crop in Brazil’s key citrus regions is forecasted to reach its lowest level in 30 years.

Global prices for frozen concentrated orange juice (FCOJ) have soared to historic highs in the New York market due to reduced supply in Brazil and Florida. Despite the drop in export volume, revenue from Brazil’s orange juice exports surged 42.7% from July to December, reaching $1.88 billion, driven by higher international prices.

CitrusBR’s executive director, Ibiapaba Netto, highlighted that Brazil’s lower export volumes are also tied to reduced global consumption. “The sector faces five consecutive cycles of small and medium crops alongside an unprecedented price rise. This scenario inevitably leads to declining demand,” Netto stated.

Europe remained Brazil’s largest market, accounting for 42.7% of total shipments during this period. While revenues increased, the reduction in export volume underscores the challenges facing Brazil’s orange juice industry amid ongoing supply constraints and elevated prices.

Source: Reuters

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