Citrus exports reached $351 million 855 thousand in the first quarter of 2023, with an increase of 12.22% compared to the same period of the previous year.
According to the information compiled by the AA correspondent from the data of the Mediterranean Exporters’ Association, 603,488 tons of citrus fruits were exported in the January-March period of this year.
Citrus exports, which were $313 million 544 thousand in return for 791 thousand 936 tons of products in the first quarter of last year, reached $351 million 855 thousand with an increase of 12.22% in the same period of this year.
In this period, the most exported citrus products were mandarin, lemon, grapefruit and orange, respectively.
Russia was at the top in exports on a country basis. Russia with $149 million of export was followed by Ukraine with $33 million, Poland with $25 million, Romania with $15 million and Bulgaria with $12 million.
Kemal Kacmaz, Deputy Chairman of the National Citrus Council, told Anadolu Agency (AA) that citrus has an important share in fresh fruit and vegetable exports.
Expressing that citrus production was not at the desired level this year, Kacmaz said that despite the decrease in production, the export figure achieved in the first quarter is pleasing.
Noting that citrus is the locomotive sector of the region, Kacmaz continued:
“When we look at the figures in the first quarter of the year, although we experienced a decrease of 24% in the amount, there was an increase of 12% in the value. The Russia-Ukraine war in the process, and then the companies with the most citrus export activities were caught in the disaster of the century, which caused a decrease in the amount. We expect export figures to increase in the coming period after the wounds of the companies affected by the earthquake are healed. Our government shows the necessary sensitivity for the victims caused by the earthquake. Efforts are also being made to take new measures.”
Citrus products are preferred in the foreign market
Kacmaz stated that citrus exporters will continue to contribute to the country’s economy and will work with all their might to avoid being affected by the negativities experienced.
Pointing out that they are carrying out a series of studies in line with the expansion of the markets in foreign sales, Kacmaz said, “We export our products as table food and they are preferred in the markets. If the problems we experience around us and the problems in the surrounding countries end as soon as possible, these export figures will reach the levels we want.”
Source: AA / Prepared by Irem Yildiz