The Changing Role of Africa and Russia in International and Mutual Trade of Fresh Citrus Fruits

In this research, the authors examine the changes in the roles of Africa and Russia in the international and mutual trade of fresh citrus fruits in 2010–2022. Due to their unique properties, some citrus fruits played a significant role in various maritime exploration expeditions in past centuries. Over the analyzed period, Africa’s share in global exports of fresh citrus fruits increased overall from 19.87% to 29.21%. Specifically, the share of this macroregion increased from 30.90% to 42.16% in global orange exports, from 10.83% to 21.26% in mandarins, from 8.40% to 17.18% in lemons and limes, from 16.85% to 29.15% in pomelos and grapefruits, and from 0.00% to 12.12% in other citrus fruits. Conversely, Russia’s share in African fresh citrus exports declined from 14.58% to 12.56%. The authors found that from 2010 to 2022, Russia’s role in global imports of fresh citrus fruits decreased from 11.12% to 9.53%. During this period, Russia’s share in global imports of mandarins dropped from 17.12% to 9.53%, of oranges from 8.15% to 6.35%, of lemons and limes from 9.39% to 6.44%, and of pomelos and grapefruits from 10.17% to 8.39%. However, the share of other citrus fruits showed growth, rising from 0.00% to 2.39%. Simultaneously, Africa’s share in Russia’s fresh citrus imports increased from 38.71% to 40.95%. Given these trends, the authors conclude that in the future, this designated macroregion of the world will continue to hold a significant role in Russia’s imports of fresh citrus fruits. Russia will remain one of the key destinations for Africa’s citrus exports.