Peru has this season boosted late mandarin exports to the U.S. and China by around a third year-on-year, despite total volumes rising by a much smaller margin.

The Peruvian Citrus Association said that by week 30, exports of the W. Murcott and Tango varieties were 4% higher than last season at 36,500 metric tons (MT).

But it pointed out that despite the small rise exports had grown by 35% to the U.S. and by 30% to China. Its other main markets are the U.K., the Netherlands and Russia.

As of week 30, exports to the U.S. were up 34% from 13,300 metric tons (MT) to 17,800MT, while to China they were up 35% from 4,200MT to 5,700MT.

Meanwhile, shipments fell to Canada (-19%), the U.K. (-25%), the Netherlands (-59%), and Russia (-40%). 

The change in market distribution came amid a very strong U.S. easy peeler market over the late spring and early summer, and an increased easy peeler crop from South Africa, which ships much of the fruit to Europe.

Fernando Bustamante, general manager of the Export and General Business Company (Coexa) said that mandarin season had started later than normal.

"We normally start the season around April 20 - 25, but this year we began with clementines in the first few days of May," he said.

Overall citrus shipments are around 10% up on last year.