Turkish citrus exports reach US$1B as Egyptian oranges hit record low in China
South Africa is also progressing towards new trade agreements with China and India, aimed at easing tariffs and improving export market access for its citrus, including oranges.
GLOBAL – The global citrus market in the first half of 2026 has been marked by shifting trade dynamics and uneven export performance, with Türkiye reporting €911 million (approx. US$1 billion) in citrus exports, South Africa navigating geopolitical hurdles, and Egyptian oranges trading at record lows in China.
Türkiye exported €110.4 million (US$125.47 million) of oranges from January to June 2026, with total citrus exports reaching €911 million (US$1.04B) for the period.
Additionally, the country shipped 807,114 tonnes of citrus fruit, with oranges the third most-exported citrus fruit after tangerines and lemons. Major destinations included Iraq, Russia, Ukraine, Poland, and Romania, totalling €41.2 million (US$ 46.8 million).
Turkish exporters anticipate higher yields and improved product quality for the upcoming season, starting in September and October, citing favourable flowering and current weather conditions.
Furthermore, South Africa is at the peak of its Valencia orange season but faces export challenges due to renewed hostilities in the Middle East, which account for about 20% of South African citrus exports.
For instance, floods in northern South Africa delayed the start of the citrus season, but overall supply is now strong. South Africa is also progressing towards new trade agreements with China and India, aimed at easing tariffs and improving export market access for its citrus, including oranges.
In China, Egyptian Valencia oranges are trading at an average wholesale price of €10.2 per 15 kg box (¥80), 55% below the two-season-ago price and 35% lower than last year. South African navel oranges have seen prices improve and are now trading above the 2024 and 2025 levels.
Moreover, Australian Cara Cara oranges have seen a price decline but remain similar to those at the start of last year. The competitive pricing of Egyptian oranges, coupled with increased supply from Turkey and South Africa, is intensifying competition among exporters and affecting European importers, including Poland, which remains a significant destination for Turkish citrus.
The shifting competitive landscape between Egyptian and South African exporters shows Egypt aggressively pricing to maintain market share, while South Africa focuses on quality and on pursuing new trade agreements to secure higher prices.
Exporters anticipate a surplus in the new Turkish citrus season if favourable conditions persist. The citrus landscape is characterized by intense competition and a strategic push to expand market access.
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