CANBERRA: Orange exports hit 152,000 tonnes in 2015, an increase of 21 per cent over the previous year, according to Citrus Australia. The industry’s recently released export report found exports were worth $190.68 million last year, up 32 per cent on 2014. South Australia’s exports increased the most, up 15,000 tonnes or 32 per cent, while NSW lifted 25 per cent and Victoria increased 9 per cent. Hong Kong was the leading market by volume, taking 27 per cent of Australia’s orange exports; Japan accounted for 18 per cent, China 14 per cent, Singapore 7 per cent and the United States 5 per cent.
The report found exports to China maintained strong volumes from July to September and prices stayed at about $1.80 throughout the season. Orange exports have rapidly increased from the decade’s lowest point of 91,000 tonnes in 2010 to 152,000 tonnes in 2015.