SA citrus exports hit record while US tariff raises future concerns
South Africa’s citrus industry has smashed export records this year, packing over 203 million cartons of fruit for global markets
Image: Zanele Zulu | Independent Newspapers
South Africa’s citrus industry has smashed export records this year, packing over 203 million cartons of fruit for global markets, a 22% jump from last season.
This was revealed by the Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa (CGA), which said favourable weather, strong international demand, and improved port operations helped drive the record-breaking performance.
"The 2025 citrus export volume is slightly ahead of the industry’s long-term projection model, but should be seen in the context of the Vision 260 growth strategy of the Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa (CGA)," CEO, Dr Boitshoko Ntshabele, said.
"This strategy focuses on key deliverables across the entire supply and value chain that, if achieved, will enable the production and profitable exporting of 260 million cartons by 2032, thus creating an additional 100,000 jobs and contributing significant foreign currency earnings to the SA economy."
The CGA added that the milestone reflects the industry’s growth potential, but warned that rising input costs and new trade barriers, including a 30% tariff imposed by the United States, could threaten future progress.
"It must be noted that volume is just one single measure with which to assess an industry. Our growers continue to face challenges, including unpredictable price and market dynamics, rising input costs, as well as market access issues such as high tariffs and unscientific plant health measures," Ntshabele said.
According to the CGA, the impact of the new US tariff was limited this season because it came into effect towards the end of the local export window. Growers in the Western and Northern Cape, the only two provinces that ship citrus to the US, managed to fast-track and increase shipments ahead of the tariff deadline.
"We remain very worried about the impact of the 30% tariff on the coming 2026 season. That is why a mutually beneficial trade deal between the United States and South Africa must be finalised urgently."
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mthobisi.nozulela@iol.co.za