A significant drop in Clemenules mandarin production in Spain’s Castellón province is set to shift the region’s citrus export strategy, with growers focusing on established European markets rather than pursuing new opportunities in Asia.

The agricultural union Unió Llauradora i Ramadera projects the province’s Clemenules harvest will reach 225,180 tonnes this season—19% less than in 2024.

“We will have more demand than supply at certain points in the season,” said Carles Peris, the union’s secretary general. “This means exports will concentrate on the EU and the UK, which are secure and traditional markets.”

Peris noted that, given the tight supply and a pattern of annual production declines, no significant export challenges are expected. “We anticipate strong sales, similar to last citrus season,” he added.

Earlier this year, the Citrus Management Committee (CGC) highlighted a potential new export avenue when India eased its citrus import rules. The change allows the required cold treatment to be carried out during shipping rather than at the point of origin, making the Indian market more commercially attractive. However, with reduced volumes this season, Castellón growers are unlikely to divert shipments away from their core European customers.