Peruvian citrus exports set a new record in 2020 after the country shipped 244,783 tons of citrus worth 262 million dollars, a value that is 37% higher than in the previous year, according to data from the Institute for Research and Development of Foreign Trade of the Lima Chamber of Commerce (Idexcam). This increase was driven by the increased demand for fruits with vitamin C in the pandemic.

The production of Peruvian mandarins and oranges has grown steadily since 2010. Mandarins registered a 9% year-on-year while oranges increased by 3%.

According to the Integrated System of Agrarian Statistics (SIEA) of the Ministry of Agrarian Development and Irrigation (Midagri), in 2020 Peru produced 525,000 tons of mandarins. Lima was the main producing department with 44% of the total, followed by Junin (24%), Ica (17%), and Puno (6%). Orange production totaled 553,000 tons. Junin was the main producer with 45% of the total, followed by San Martin (14%), Puno (9%), and Cusco (5%).

Last year, Peruvian mandarin shipments amounted to 250.4 million dollars, i.e. 36% more than the 184 million dollars achieved in the previous year.

11 destination markets imported more mandarins. The United States was the main destination for Peruvian mandarins, with purchases for 125.3 million dollars (+ 52%). It was followed by the Netherlands with 25 million dollars (+ 19%), Canada with 17.8 million (+ 15%), China with 15.7 million dollars (+ 40%), and Russia with 13.2 million dollars (+ 90%).

Orange exports also increased by 46% totaling 12.1 million dollars. The main markets for this product were the United Kingdom, with imports of 6.8 million dollars (+ 91%), the Netherlands with 3 million dollars (+ 7%); Panama with purchases for 416,788 dollars (+ 51%); Sweden with $ 344,688 (+ 74%), and the United States with $ 341,962 (+ 88%).