Egypt citrus exports pivot to Africa, Americas as China season expands
The Brazilian market opened for Egyptian exporters after the HLB virus severely affected its production.
EGYPT – Egyptian orange exporters are diversifying into Africa and the Americas as China’s expanding citrus season narrows the window for foreign suppliers, even with a new zero-tariff policy that grants Egypt preferential access to the Chinese market.
In May, a shipment of fresh Egyptian oranges arrived in Shanghai, marking the first Egyptian goods to benefit from China’s zero-tariff policy for African nations, according to Fruitnet.
Egypt exported an estimated US$26 million in fresh oranges to China last year, giving exporters reason to be optimistic about the Asian market.
However, China’s increasing regional dominance in citrus is shrinking the window for Egyptian companies. “China is extending its season for citrus and extending its reach overseas,” one Egyptian exporter told Fruitnet.
“They produce Valencias from May to June, Navels from September to April, and Lane Lates from April to May. So, they’re covering the entire year now. I think the only gap for Egypt will be August.”
As a result, Egyptian citrus exporters are increasingly shifting supplies from established markets like Europe to emerging markets in Africa and newer markets in North and South America.
“Since our business was founded, East Asia has been the main market,” the exporter said. “From the beginning of the conflict in the Middle East, especially due to the issues in Dubai, we’ve had to shift our focus to the West. We’ve established a presence in Canada and Latin America. We’re pushing a little bit more in Africa as well.”
The Brazilian market opened for Egyptian exporters after the HLB virus severely affected its production. “Their volumes went down dramatically, and demand for Egyptian oranges increased on the Brazilian market as a result,” the exporter said. “It’s really opened up the door for Egyptian produce to establish a footing in Latin America.”
However, another Egyptian exporter sees strong possibilities in Europe as volumes to China fall. “With the shortage in Spain, and continued extreme weather conditions, I think Europe will be number one for us,” he said. “We’re also waiting to gain access to South Korea and America.“
Ultimately, these strategic maneuvers aim to stabilize Egypt’s citrus trade amid a shifting international agricultural landscape, as climate issues and disease outbreaks in competitor markets create new demand for Egyptian produce in Europe and Latin America.
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