Florida orange juice imports fall to lowest level in two decades… and Canadian consumer taste is changing

Toronto — U.S. orange juice shipments to Canada in June fell to their lowest level in more than 20 years, according to U.S. Census data, amid the convergence of three factors: agricultural supply shocks, changing purchasing habits, and trade tensions that increased costs on Canadian shelves. 

Florida — the most prominent traditional supplier — has experienced a sharp contraction in its production over the past two decades due to citrus greening disease, hurricanes, and storm damage, which has limited exports to the Canadian market, while relying on Brazil to fill the gap has not succeeded due to similar climatic and disease disruptions. 

On the trade front, costs increased with a 25% Canadian retaliatory tariff on unfrozen Florida juice, along with broader U.S. tariffs on goods and inputs, which reflected on retail prices and promotional offers. Observers see that the impact of these tariffs is felt more strongly in Canada compared to the United States, with a larger portion of the cost passed on to the consumer. 

Changing tastes: Market readings indicate a sustained decline in per capita orange juice consumption with changing breakfast habits, increased sensitivity to sugars, and a greater tendency towards cheaper canned juice blends, which reduces the volume of chilled fresh category and pressures the variety available in stores. 

Global context: The global supply picture reinforces these pressures; while Brazil is increasing its production this season, U.S. production remains historically low, at a time when global consumer appetite for orange juice is declining, reshaping trade routes and alternatives. 

Summary: At the intersection of weaker crops, higher tariffs, and changing preferences, the next glass of orange juice from Florida is less present on Canadian tables — not because it is absent, but because its rising cost pushes consumers toward alternative choices.