South Africa's citrus industry recorded its largest-ever export season in 2025, with 203.4 million 15kg cartons packed for international markets. This marks a 22% increase from 2024 and surpasses the April industry forecast of 171.2 million cartons. The rise is linked to favourable weather, maturing orchards, and improved logistics, alongside stronger demand for juicing oranges and lemons and an early end to Northern Hemisphere supply.
According to Citrus Growers' Association (CGA) CEO Dr Boitshoko Ntshabele, improved port performance played a central role. "Improved logistics efficiency, especially port efficiency, was achieved by Transnet, largely through investments in new equipment and the introduction of employee incentives linked to productivity. There was a high level of effective co-operation by all logistics players, including shipping lines, resulting in a productive logistics eco-system," he said. On farms, improved water use, pest management, and the expansion of net-covered hectares supported pack-out levels and fruit quality.
The 2025 results place the industry slightly ahead of CGA's Vision 260 strategy, which targets 260 million cartons by 2032 and aims to create 100,000 new jobs. Dr Ntshabele noted that while the season was strong, market conditions remain volatile. "Our growers continue to face unpredictable prices and market dynamics, rising input costs, as well as market access issues such as high tariffs and unscientific plant health measures," he said.
A 30% tariff introduced by the United States had a limited impact this season, taking effect only after most shipments were completed. However, Dr Ntshabele warned that it could constrain trade in 2026. "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," he said. He added that exemptions for citrus or all seasonal fresh produce could prevent price pressure in the U.S. market.
In 2025, South Africa exported 15.3 million cartons of grapefruit (up 7% from 2024), 53.5 million cartons of mandarins (+28%), 41.3 million cartons of lemons (+19%), 31.5 million cartons of navel oranges (+25%), and 61.8 million cartons of Valencia oranges (up from 48.7 million). CGA chairperson Gerrit van der Merwe said expanded access to key markets such as China, India, Japan, South Korea, the European Union, and the United States remains critical to future industry growth.
Source: Biz Community
