Total US production is likely to reach 20 million tonnes, down eight percent from 2001-02. This will be the lowest production level since the freeze reduced 1989-90 level.

According to the department of agriculture of Florida statistics service, the forecasted crop for the new season from the sunshine state will be 10 percent down on 2001-02 at 42m boxes, the smallest since the freeze 13 years ago.

Dry conditions are largely to blame, although individual fruit size is healthy.

With the forecast drop in production for 2002-03, the authorities expect supplies available for export to be down as well. The impact may be felt most in Japan which alone accounts for half of the state's citrus sendings.

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