However, with the large Florida orange harvests reducing the need for orange juice imports, major processors in Brazil are buying their way into Florida's citrus industry. There is a greater opportunity for major processors in Brazil to invest in Florida because the current oversupply situation and low prices are forcing some Florida citrus bulk processors to sell their holdings. Some sources believe these investments will have a positive impact on the Florida citrus industry by expanding exports of Florida orange juice and making the Florida industry more efficient overall. Other sources feel threatened by the recent Brazilian processor investments. Australia Australia's orange juice production in 1997 is forecast to decline 8 percent to 16,009 tons.
Production is down mainly due to low international FCOJ prices.
Strong domestic demand for fresh juice products has dampened the effect of low export prices for concentrate. This means that lower quality product will continue to be imported to satisfy consumer demand for a cheaper product. Imports of FCOJ increased substantially in 1996 due to low international prices. The fall in Australian import tariffs in recent years, and a strong Australian dollar, have also made imports more attractive. South Africa South African orange juice production in 1997 is forecast at 12,057 tons, an 11 percent decrease over the previous season.