Strong growth in Turkish citrus exports and rising commercial demand for Spanish oranges

Turkish citrus exports reached €569 million in the first half of 2026, up 66% year-on-year, while Spanish wholesale demand for oranges rose sharply by over 43%.

Turkish citrus exports during January-June 2026 reached €569 million, representing 55% of Türkiye’s total fresh fruit and vegetable exports. This marks a 66% increase in value compared to the same period in 2025. Tangerines led Turkish citrus exports with a value of €328 million, up 86% in value and 48% in quantity. Lemons followed with exports of €144.5 million, up 32% in value despite a drop in volume, due to higher unit prices. Oranges from Türkiye recorded a 128% increase in export value compared to the previous year, though the exact figure is not specified in the available data. The Mediterranean Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Exporters Association contributed approximately 48% to Türkiye’s total fresh produce exports in this period, reinforcing its competitive position in European markets, including Poland.

In Spain, the 2025/26 campaign saw a sharp rise in commercial demand for oranges. Searches by buyers for orange harvests increased by 43.25% compared to the previous season, while published orange harvest offers grew by 2.49%. The most in-demand and supplied varieties were Navelina, Navel Lane Late, and Valencia Late. Tarocco Rosso, Salustiana, and Sanguinelli also saw notable growth in both supply and demand. In contrast, commercial interest in Spanish mandarins fell by 5.71%, despite a stable supply, with Clemenules, Clemenvilla, and Tango remaining the main varieties.

Spanish citrus production regions are monitoring the spread of the citrus yellow vein clearing virus (CYVCV) in Murcia, where 73 of 788 tested plots (9.3%)—approximately 208 hectares—showed infection, all in young plantings. No positive cases were found in local nurseries, and there are currently no mandatory removals of infected plots due to lack of financial support mechanisms, a situation closely watched by lemon growers and exporters.

Spanish orange harvests most commonly range between 10,000 and 50,000 kg per lot, with the 50,000–100,000 kg segment experiencing the highest growth this season. The overall stability in production volume, alongside increased buyer demand, is affecting availability and competition in the European citrus market, including for importers in Poland.

Material prepared by the editorial team of fresh-market.info, editor Artur Spiker