WCO warns of impact of Mideast war on logistics and access and costs of agricultural inputs such as fertilisers
The Southern Hemisphere citrus crop is set to reach 26,409,093 tonnes in 2026, a fall of 5.86 per cent on the previous year, according to preliminary forecasts from the World Citrus Organisation. However, exports are expected to continue their upward trajectory, with a projected growth of 3.96 per cent compared to 2025 to 4,742,014 tonnes.
The estimates were released by the WCO during its annual general meeting on 30 April. They are based on data from Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Peru, South Africa, and Uruguay. The WCO said the estimates would be revised following the publication of the Fundecitrus forecast for Brazil on 8 May.
At the meeting, the WCO also confirmed its leadership with the two co-chairs who will guide the association’s work in the upcoming two years.
By product, orange production is forecast to decrease by 8.37 per cent compared to last year to 17,517,898 tonnes. Soft citrus production is expected to drop -0.84 per cent to 3,416,432 tonnes. Lemon output is forecast to rise by 2.36 per cent to 3,168,541 tonnes, while limes should decline by 9.64 per cent to 1,738,745 tonnes. Grapefruit production is projected to reach 567,477 tonnes, an increase of 21.21 per cent on 2025.
“There is great concern in the citrus community on the direct or indirect impact of the Middle East crisis in the region and beyond, regarding logistics costs, availability, as well as access and costs of agricultural inputs such as fertilisers,” WCO said.
It added that “consumption trends remain a point of concern. Last year’s trade boom, namely from the Southern Hemisphere, was not reflecting a stronger demand for citrus but rather a shortage of supply in the Mediterranean basin, which was filled by the Southern Hemisphere”.
For the new Southern Hemisphere season, the WCO is urging suppliers to adopt a more careful approach to the European and Middle Eastern markets, where consumption drivers will have to be monitored.
After its first leadership transition in 2024, the WCO confirmed its team of co-chairs formed by Sergio del Castillo (for the South Hemisphere) and Badr Bennis (for the North Hemisphere), who will guide the association’s work over the upcoming two years.
During the meeting, the co-chairs highlighted WCO’s notable achievements since its founding, reaching a record number of members, confirming the WCO as a notable forum for citrus sector actors to exchange perspectives and data on matters of common concern.
In the seven years since its founding, the WCO has launched new instruments like common data reporting formats and interactive databases for members with the latest production and trade forecast data, dedicated working groups to explore ways to boost the marketing and the promotion of all citrus categories, hosting of physical and online events allowing the sector to discuss and interact, helping to further the knowledge of actors, and liaising with the media to help promote the visibility of the sector.
