Spain's orange production has been reduced by 32% (-608,000 t) compared to the 2021/22 season and by 24% (-409,000 t) compared to the average.
According to MAPA's Weekly Agricultural Price Reports, the prices paid to the grower are in many cases the highest in the last ten years. The price at origin for Navel oranges currently stands close to 0.40 €/kg, so it has doubled since the beginning of the season, and it is 164% higher than a year ago and 47% higher than the average. At the packing center, the price comes close to 1.00 €/kg (some varieties, such as the Navel Late, exceed it), which is 94% higher than that recorded at this time of 2022 and 54% higher than the average. In both cases, we are talking about the highest prices of the last ten seasons.
Exports fall in terms of volume and increase in terms of value
Looking at the total figures between September 2022 and January 31, 2023, Spanish orange exports have been reduced for the third consecutive season in terms of volume, but not in terms of value, where they remain above average (+2%).
Volumes have fallen below the monthly average values in every month up to January 2023, with the exception of September; however, the export value per unit has increased by 12% compared to last season and by 16.5% compared to the average of the last five seasons. This is the highest unit value in recent years.
The reduction of exports has been spread between the different destinations, although it is slightly higher in the case of EU countries (-12%) than in third countries (-10%), compared to average values.
Imports are down compared to last season and to the average of the last 5 seasons.
Spanish orange imports have decreased compared to last season (-5.6%) and remain also below average (-10.5%). In terms of value, they stand also slightly below average. The import value per unit has increased by 17% compared to last season, and by 11% compared to the average of the five previous seasons.
Orange imports from the EU-27 remained 4% below average, while those from third countries were down by 22%. Portugal remains the main supplier to the EU, with quantities close to the average. As for foreign countries, South Africa has recorded a significant reduction compared to the previous season.
