Australian citrus exports to Asia are set to grow, as trade missions and changes to export protocols continue to open up key markets in the region.
Citrus Australia CEO, Judith Damiani, says two recent trade missions showed there is great potential for Australian citrus exports across Asia.
“The trade missions informed us that Australian industries and governments, including those outside horticulture, could work well together to help boost exports. It is something that should be progressed,” she says in an industry eNews update.
Demand in China is particularly strong; Australian navel oranges, mandarins, and some lemons are the main export lines, which are supplied counter seasonal to local production.
Ms Damiani says that the rising affluence of the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) region, including the Philippines and Thailand, should also “increase the need for premium citrus, and Vietnam is improving its import protocols”.
“Navel oranges, red oranges such as Cara Cara and mandarins are major varieties destined for ASEAN countries, and exports commence in late May.”