• South Africa plans to boost citrus exports from 164.5 million cartons in 2024 to 260 million cartons by 2032, a 58% increase.

• The sector faces trade barriers, including tariffs from the US, India, China, and ongoing disputes with the EU.

• Logistics inefficiencies cost the industry 5.2 billion rands ($295 million), threatening competitiveness.

South Africa, the world’s second-largest citrus exporter after Spain, saw a slight drop in shipments in 2024. Industry leaders now look to government support to tackle challenges and improve performance in the coming years.

The Citrus Growers Association of Southern Africa (CGA) aims to export 260 million cartons of citrus annually by 2032, equivalent to 3.9 million tonnes. CGA chairman Boitshoko Ntshabele revealed this target on July 4, as reported by local media Engineering News.

This goal marks a 58% jump from the 164.5 million cartons (2.4 million tonnes) shipped internationally in 2024. To achieve it, the CGA calls for strong cooperation between government and private sector to activate two critical but underused levers.

Improving Market Access

Ntshabele highlighted that the sector struggles to expand in high-potential markets due to multiple hurdles. Tariff hikes announced by the Trump administration last April have cooled demand in the US, the world’s largest citrus importer. Meanwhile, South African exporters face steep customs duties in India (30%) and China, the two most populous countries in Asia.

Diversifying export markets is urgent. Since 2022, the South African citrus industry has clashed with the European Union—its main market—over sanitary and phytosanitary restrictions limiting shipments. European Commission data show EU orange imports from South Africa fell 29.48% year-on-year to 317,136 tonnes in the 2023/2024 season.

Optimizing Logistics

The CGA also demands swift reforms in logistics. A study by the Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy (BFAP) found that inefficiencies in ports, roads, and railways cost the citrus sector 5.2 billion rands ($295.3 million). Delays at ports, deteriorating infrastructure, and surcharges by shipping firms have hit exports hard and eroded competitiveness.

Paul Hardman, CGA’s operations director, warned, “There will be no real growth in export agriculture without structural reforms at the ports and on the rail network. We hope the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Transport remain aligned on this crucial issue.” 

Citrus remains South Africa’s top agricultural export. For the 2025 marketing season, the CGA expects a 4% rebound to 171 million cartons, or 2.56 million tonnes.

This article was initially published in French by Stéphanas Assocle

Edited in English by Ange Jason Quenum