Australian Exports of Horticultural Crops with Special Reference to Fresh Citrus Fruits

Abstract

Exports of horticultural products, in particular fresh citrus fruits, are becoming increasingly important in terms of export earnings for Australia. However, Australian fresh citrus exports account for about 12 per cent of the total production of citrus. About 57 per cent of total exports is sold on Asian markets. The purpose of this study is to examine the problems and prospects for fresh citrus exports on world markets and, in particular, in the Asian region. The findings of the study reveal that higher freight and labour costs have made Australian citrus less competitive on world markets. Thus, producers have an incentive to sell over 80 percent of the total production of citrus on domestic markets. However, there is scope for greater market opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region for Australian fresh citrus fruits. Australia should increase the yield per tree, improve the quality of citrus fruits and identify the need for market promotion and research in order to increase the volume of citrus exports on world markets, especially in the Asia-Pacific region.