Orange juice consumption to climb four percent in 2026

Global orange markets are heading into 2025-26 with renewed momentum, as rising orange juice consumption in the United States lifts worldwide demand, according to a January report by the US Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA FAS). 

While US fresh orange production is forecast to remain roughly steady at 2.2 million short tons, orange juice consumption is expected to rise further by four percent.

Global fresh orange production is projected slightly higher at 50.6 million short tons, with larger crops in Brazil and Egypt offsetting declines in Türkiye, the European Union, and Mexico. 

Fresh fruit flows peel upward

Brazil’s fresh orange production is forecast to increase by 550,000 short tons to 14.9 million short tons. Growth is driven by a back-to-normal weather and improved management of citrus greening, though output remains below the five-year average. 

Egypt’s production is projected to increase by 550,000 short tons to 4.4 million short tons as new orchards reach maturity and favorable weather continues.

Global fresh orange exports are forecast to rise by two percent to 5.4 million short tons, reflecting larger shipments from Egypt and South Africa. 

South Africa's exports are projected at a record 1.65 million short tons for the second consecutive year. European Union imports are expected to increase from 44,000 short tons to roughly 1.1 million short tons to compensate for lower domestic production. Improvements in orange quality are expected to shift more fruit toward export rather than processing.

US imports and exports of fresh oranges are both forecast slightly higher, at 275,000 short tons and 330,000 short tons, respectively. Oranges delivered to processors are expected to increase three percent to 17.1 million short tons, largely concentrated in Brazil and Egypt, two of the top three orange-processing countries.

Orange juice markets stir

Despite enthusiastic US consumption, global orange juice production is forecast to remain steady and increase by less than one percent to about 1.54 million short tons. Brazil’s orange juice production is projected slightly higher at 1.10 million short tons as more oranges reach processors and efficiency improves. 

Global orange juice exports are expected to rise roughly 38,600 short tons to 1.43 million short tons, with Brazil and South Africa accounting for most of the increase.

Imports are also forecast to be higher in the top five importing countries, led by China, where incoming shipments of orange juice are projected to increase by about 16,500 short tons to 70,500 short tons. 

Production in China is estimated to continue growing in 2025-26, but at a slower pace, while consumption remains roughly unchanged. Global ending stocks are projected to remain unchanged at 275,600 short tons.

Related stories

Florida citrus production to hit new record low in 2025/2026 season, says USDA

Record surge: US mandarin and tangerine imports to hit 555,000 metric tons as California output dips