While the U.S. remains a major producer of citrus fruit, it is also a major consumer of the products and thus is increasingly dependent on imports. Over the past eight years, imports of citrus have increased 120 percent as a share of total consumption and now comprise nearly a fifth of all citrus fruit disappearance. Domestic production has fallen by a quarter as prime production areas like Florida (orange juice) and the Southwest (fresh fruit) succumb to pressures including disease, high land values, contested water resources, and labor constraints. China has been a standout for increased production, though it has strong domestic demand like the U.S. Citrus fruits are subject to highly limited production areas, favoring semi-tropical or t...

TAGS – China, Middle East & Africa, North America, Macroeconomics