The latest citrus panel published by the European Commission confirms that the 2025/26 season is marked by a profound shift in the market balance. Supplies from third countries have fallen sharply, prices remain at high levels, and EU production — led by Spain — is gaining weight in meeting internal demand.
The area devoted to orange cultivation in the European Union has remained practically stagnant for more than a decade. Between 2018 and 2025, total acreage fluctuated between 272,000 and 280,000 hectares, with no signs of expansion. Spain continues to be the main producer, well ahead of Italy, Greece and Portugal, but the bloc as a whole shows no structural growth that would reduce its dependence on external suppliers.
Prices on the rise across the EU
The current season is characterised by firm prices in all producing countries. In January 2026, the average European price for oranges reached €94/100 kg, 10% above the five‑year average. Spain stood at €86/100 kg, Italy at €127/100 kg, Portugal at €89/100 kg and Greece at €69/100 kg.
The trend is similar for small citrus fruits. Clementines recorded an average European price of €124/100 kg in January, 22% above the five‑year average. Spain reached €121/100 kg, while Italy climbed to €140/100 kg, reflecting a highly strained market.
Imports fall: an unexpected shift
One of the most significant changes of the season is the drop in imports. By January, the EU had imported 175,000 tonnes of oranges, 22% less than in the previous season.
The decline affects almost all suppliers:
- South Africa: -25%
- Egypt: -12%
- Morocco: -33%
- Zimbabwe: also down
South Africa, traditionally the leading off‑season supplier, shipped 28% less in October than the previous year. Egypt, which had gained prominence in recent seasons, also retreated. Morocco, a key supplier of small citrus fruits, recorded a particularly sharp decline.
For small citrus fruits, the trend is similar: cumulative imports up to January totalled 170,000 tonnes, 5% less than the previous year. Morocco, the main non‑EU supplier, reduced its shipments by 33%, while Turkey and South Africa maintained more stable volumes.
European exports: stable but not growing
EU exports to third countries remain at levels similar to recent years. By January, extra‑EU sales reached 299,000 tonnes, practically in line with the five‑year average. The main destinations continue to be the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Norway and Serbia.
Spain, the main beneficiary of the new landscape
The combination of lower imports, high prices and stable internal demand places Spain in a particularly favourable position. The country strengthens its role as the main supplier to the European market, both in oranges and small citrus fruits.
In the case of clementines, the drop in Moroccan supply opens an additional window of opportunity for the Spanish sector, which already dominates this segment.
A more European market, more sensitive to supply
The 2025/26 season confirms a structural shift: the EU is now less dependent on imports and more vulnerable to any variation in internal supply. Firm prices reflect a tight market in which any disruption — climatic, logistical or phytosanitary — can have an immediate impact.
If this trend continues, the European sector could enter a phase of greater price stability, but also greater exposure to production risks.
