Japanese Orange Imports Drop

WASHINGTON - Jun 15/06 - SNS -- Japanese imports of U.S. citrus fruit remains at relatively low levels, partly because of the impact of hurricanes on production in Florida and Texas, reports the U.S. agricultural attache for the country.

Imports of 2005 crop Florida grapefruit ere significantly reduced due largely to the damage caused by hurricane Wilma and the spreading of citrus canker. Early in the season, Japanese traders anticipated a recovery from the devastating hurricanes of 2004; however, another large-scale hurricane (Wilma) hit Florida's grapefruit region in the fall of 2005 and again reduced Florida grapefruit supplies.

The 2005 season's shipments of Florida grapefruits to Japan ended in early May 2006 with a total volume of 4,636,752 cartons (78,824 metric tons), which was 119,220 cartons (2,026 metric tons) lower than the record low level of 2004, according to industry sources.

The first shipments of the 2005 new crop arrived in Japan in early November 2005 and, in some cases, sold at a premium price of $2.29 (258 yen) per fruit at Tokyo's high-end supermarket. Traditionally, Japanese traders expect good sales of Florida grapefruit during Japan's year-end gift giving season, but the sales were reportedly slow due to the relatively higher market prices, according to industry sources.

Subscribers can read the full text of the article by Clicking here