Argentinean production, exports and imports of citrus essential oils 1992-1996

An analysis and updating of Argentinean statistics on production, exports and imports of lemon, orange, mandarin, grapefruit and bergamot essential oils for the period 1992-1996 is presented. With information obtained from INDEC, FEDERCITRUS and Anales de SAIPA, quinquennial averages and percentual participation of each product both in volume and in value, were carefully elaborated. For lemon essential oil, main buying countries and last 20 years production and exports values are considered. Results obtained showed a strong predominancy of lemon essential oil - more than 90% of total - with an average production in 1992-96 of 1770 metric tons, and exports for 1620 metric tons, for an amount exceeding 28.7 million dollars, that doubles the amount for the 1987-91 period. For 1992-96, the main buyers were USA (58%) and United Kingdom (25%). During the quinquennium imports have attained an average of 154 metric tons of essential oils per annuum -basically orange (107 mt), lemon (16 mt) and lime (14 mt) with an average value of 2 million dollars. Therefore, the commercial balance was always favorable to Argentina, and outstanding for 1995 with 35 million dollars.