An import allocation model was used to investigate import demand for US fresh oranges in Canada, the European Community (EC), Singapore, and Hong Kong. The results indicate that the US import share will increase significantly in Singapore and a fair amount in Canada and Hong Kong as these markets grow. The income elasticity in the EC for US oranges is statistically insignificant. Price elasticities indicate that a negative relationship exists between the price of US oranges and demand in all markets considered.
The United States is a major producer of fresh oranges. Four states-Florida, California, Texas, and Arizona-account for all of the production. While Florida is by far the largest producer, the majority of its oranges are processed. The second largest producing state, California, sells approximately 69% of its oranges fresh. Of US exports of fresh oranges, the majority are produced in California.
Other major producing countries include Australia, Israel, Japan, Morocco, South Africa, and Spain (Table I). They are also important exporting countries.* The United States, while exporting only a fraction of its production, is a primary exporter of oranges. Its largest markets are Canada, the EC, Hong Kong, Japan,
The author gratefully acknowledges assistance from James L. Seale, Jr. and Boyd M. Buxton in gaining expertise for this project.