Peruvian citrus exports fell 20% in volume during the first 24 weeks of 2026 (through June 14), according to ProCitrus managing director Sergio del Castillo Valderrama. Mandarins saw the sharpest decline at 40% down, while lemon exports rose 5% and orange exports climbed 10%.
This matters because Peru is a key Southern Hemisphere citrus supplier to North American markets, particularly for mandarins during the summer window when domestic supply is limited. With California already dealing with a lemon gap through September, any softness in alternative import sources compounds the tightness buyers are already navigating.
Watch for mandarin availability and pricing to stay elevated through the summer. Category managers sourcing Southern Hemisphere citrus should be pressure-testing their supply commitments now rather than waiting for the gap to show up on the shelf.