The graphs compare exports of four categories of citrus fruits to the top three destination countries, measured in thousand tonnes, in 2012.
Overall, oranges were the most widely exported citrus fruit, with South Africa recording by far the highest figure. Turkey led exports of grapefruits, while Mexico dominated the trade in both lemons and other citrus varieties.
Focusing first on oranges, exports from South Africa reached 1,000 thousand tonnes, which was double the amount sent to Egypt and substantially higher than the figure for the United States, at around 400 thousand tonnes. A similar pattern of disparity can be seen in grapefruit exports, where Turkey ranked first with approximately 400 thousand tonnes. Mexico followed with 300 thousand tonnes, whereas the United States recorded the lowest level among the three countries.
In terms of lemons, Mexico again occupied the top position, exporting about 500 thousand tonnes, far exceeding the other two nations. The United States exported 200 thousand tonnes, while Argentina’s figure stood at 100 thousand tonnes, exactly half that of the US. A comparable trend was observed for other citrus fruits, with Mexico maintaining its dominance at 500 thousand tonnes. By contrast, exports of these fruits to Egypt and the United States were negligible, averaging only around 0.5 thousand tonnes.