Sharp Price Increase for Egyptian Oranges

EastFruit analysts note that export prices for Egyptian oranges on FOB terms are once again rising rapidly. In mid-April 2025, Egyptian exporters were offering oranges at $0.43-0.45 per kg, but prices have now reached $0.66 per kg. This increase is driven by several factors, including seasonality, reduced harvest, logistical challenges, and increased demand for citrus fruits.

First and foremost, it’s worth noting that the citrus export season from Egypt is coming to an end. As stocks decline, prices traditionally rise. However, this season’s price increase is more dramatic and reaching higher levels than usual.

Specifically, abnormal heat during the orange tree flowering period has reduced Egypt’s harvest by nearly a third. Furthermore, 90% of the fruits are medium-sized, which limits the supply of larger fruits that are in demand in premium markets such as the Gulf states and Eastern European countries.

In November 2024, Egypt reduced subsidies for exporters from 8-10% to 2.5%, increasing the financial burden on exporters. This factor has also forced exporters to raise prices.

The rapid development of the orange processing industry and production of frozen orange juice concentrate is playing a significant role in the price increase of oranges in Egypt. The reason for such dramatic growth in the number of orange juice concentrate production facilities in Egypt is the high global prices for this commodity following a sharp decline in production in Brazil.

Certain psychological influence on orange prices is also exerted by high prices for other citrus fruits, particularly lemons, which are selling at record high prices this season.

In Spain and Italy, drought and increased production costs have led to reduced citrus harvests, creating favourable conditions for Egyptian exporters and allowing them to increase prices.