28 April 2006 - The fresh orange production forecast for MY 2005/06 was revised downward to 3.8 MMT due to dry weather conditions. Orange production for MY 2004/05 was also revised downward to 4.0 MMT, however this still reflects greater production compared to MY 2003/04. MY 2005/06 fresh orange prices are expected to be high compared to MY 2004/05. Frozen concentrate orange juice (FCOJ) production for MY 2006 was revised downward due to expected lower volumes of fresh oranges available for the processing industry.
FCOJ production for MY 2005, however, was revised upward due to greater than expected demand on the international market.
SECTION I.Situation and Outlook
The fresh orange production forecast for MY 2005/06 was revised downward from the previous estimates to 3.8 MMT.This decrease is due to dry weather conditions in the northern states during the first quarter of 2005, and strong rainfalls during September and October.Orange production for MY 2004/05 was also revised downward to 4.0 MMT, however this still reflects higher output compared to MY 2003/04.Frozen concentrate orange juice (FCOJ) production for MY 2006 was revised downward due to a lower volume of fresh oranges available to the processing industry.However, FCOJ for MY 2005 was revised upward due to greater demand on the international market.Exports of FCOJ for MY 2006 are expected to be lower compared to MY 2005 exports.