Egypt: Citrus Annual
During MY2018/19, FAS Cairo forecasts a 5.1 percent increase in area planted and 9.6 percent increase in production based on growing demand for Egyptian oranges. Egyptian orange prices in the international markets are more competitive than prices offered by other international suppliers due to a devalued Egyptian pound. Though there is increased production, the population increase is higher and exports remain strong. Post forecasts total exports to increase by seven percent or 110,000 MT to reach 1.650 MMT. Most likely Egypt will remain the sixth largest orange producer and the first or the second largest exporter of fresh oranges in the world, depending on Spanish performance in MY2018/19. Russia, Saudi Arabia, Netherlands and China will likely remain the top import destinations for Egyptian oranges. As MY2017/18 orange exports did not meet forecasted levels, post is adjusting downward last year’s fresh orange exports from 1.600 MMT to 1.540 MMT.