USA: Navigating Hurricane Impacts
Florida’s 2024/25 orange crop forecast stands at just 15.0 million boxes, a staggering 94% decline from its peak in the 1997/98 season. Hurricane Milton exacerbated challenges, increasing fruit drop and raising concerns about citrus canker and greening disease. Despite these setbacks, processors remain optimistic, leveraging stable weather conditions to support early picking and processing.
Mexico: A Balancing Act
Mexico’s Valencia harvest faces a 40 – 50% production drop due to post-bloom drought, compounded by elevated demand from the fresh fruit market. Nevertheless, the high global orange juice prices may stabilise supply for the juice industry, as buyers prioritise procurement for blending needs.
Brazil: Critical Low Carry Stocks
Brazil’s orange juice industry is grappling with critically low carry-in stocks and poor 2024/25 yields, estimated at 215.8 million boxes, nearly 100 million lower than last season. While late rainfall is promising for the 2025/26 crop, delayed flowering signals further supply pressures next year.
