The World Citrus Organisation gathers for annual Southern Hemisphere forecast and the election of WCO’s Co-Chairs

On 30 April 2026, WCO members gathered for its seventh Annual General Meeting (AGM). During the AGM, WCO presented the consolidated data of the production and export forecasts for the forthcoming Southern Hemisphere citrus season 2026. The preliminary forecast was collected thanks to the WCO network in Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Peru, South Africa, and Uruguay. In addition, the Association also confirmed its leadership with the two Co-Chairs who will guide its work in the upcoming two years.

During WCO’s AGM, the preliminary forecast for the upcoming Southern Hemisphere citrus season was presented to representatives from the citrus sector in Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Peru, South Africa, and Uruguay. Citrus production is expected to decrease 5.86% compared to the previous year, with an estimated production of 26,409,093 tonnes. Exports, however, are expected to continue increasing, with a projected growth of 3.96% compared to 2025 to reach 4,742,014 tonnes. These first estimates will be revised following the publication of the Fundecitrus forecast for Brazil on 8 May 2026.

Orange production is forecasted to decrease by 8.37% compared to 2025, with 17,517,898 t in total. Soft citrus production is expected to decrease slightly (-0.84%, 3,416,432 t in total). A 2.36% increase is projected for lemon production (3,168,541 t in total), while limes should decline by 9.64% (1,738,745 t in total). On the other hand, grapefruits are forecasted to reach 567,477 t, which is 21.21% above the 2025 figure. 

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. 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, a more careful approach to the supply is recommended in Europe as well as in the Middle East, 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 work of the Association over the upcoming two years.

The team of 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. WCO has launched over the last seven years 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.