Arabfields, Naïla Mokhtari, North, South and Central America Correspondent — Brazil’s fresh citrus market is showing a clear split as August draws to a close, with slower trading weighing on table oranges while tighter supplies are pushing prices higher for Tahiti limes and Poncã mandarins.
The latest figures from the Brazilian citrus market show that Pera oranges averaged R$31.19 per 40.8 kilogram box between August 17 and 21, down 0.11% from the previous week. The decline is small, but it reflects a broader slowdown in business activity that has been evident throughout August.
The contrast with last year is striking. In August 2025, Pera oranges were trading at around R$57 per box, meaning current prices are roughly 45% lower. For growers, that difference is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore, particularly as production costs remain a major concern.
A grower preparing fruit for delivery has to balance the weaker prices with the cost of harvesting, sorting and transporting each load. When demand slows, even a modest decline in the price received at the farm can make a meaningful difference to margins.
The pressure on Pera oranges is also linked to the changing composition of supply. The cycle of early varieties is approaching its end, while Pera, a mid-season variety, is becoming more prominent in deliveries to both processing plants and the fresh market. That gradual increase in availability is giving buyers more room to negotiate.
Prices for early oranges were mixed during the same period. Westin remained stable at R$22 per box, while Hamlin rose 14.40% to R$28.60. Lima oranges also strengthened, reaching R$54.28 per box, an increase of 2.38%.
The situation is very different for Tahiti limes. With the fruit in its off-season, supply has remained limited for several weeks. The average price reached R$102.26 per 27.2 kilogram box during the week, an increase of 2.86%. Export prices were even firmer, rising 4.70% to R$112.41 per box.
Poncã mandarins are also benefiting from restricted availability. The variety is approaching the end of its cycle, leaving significantly smaller volumes on the market. Prices for export reached R$91.12 per 27.2 kilogram box, up 3.30% from the previous week.
The current pattern is likely to continue into September. Market conditions point to limited supplies of both Poncã and Tahiti, suggesting that their prices should remain supported in the short term. However, the available volume is not expected to become particularly large next month, which could prevent a sharp correction.
For Pera oranges, the outlook is less favorable. If the flow of mid-season fruit continues to increase while demand remains weak, prices could face additional pressure in the weeks ahead. The difference between the current R$31.19 average and the roughly R$57 recorded a year earlier indicates how significant the change in market conditions has been.
The next few weeks will therefore be important for growers and traders. A stronger pace of consumer demand could help absorb additional supplies and stabilize orange prices, while continued weak trading would leave producers exposed to further declines.
For Tahiti and Poncã, the picture is more encouraging. With supply expected to remain restricted through September, prices are likely to stay firm and could post further gains if demand improves. The citrus market is consequently heading into the next month with two very different stories, excess pressure on some varieties and scarcity supporting others.
