South Africa has ramped up its citrus exports to the European Union in recent months, with a significant portion coinciding with the start of the Spanish season.
The latest bulletin on citrus imports into the EU shows that by September 2025, the EU had imported 752,375 tons of oranges from non-EU countries. In September alone, 169,277 tons arrived—35% more than in 2024 and 8.75% above the five-year average. Of this total, 132,443 tons came from South Africa, accounting for 78.2% of the EU's orange imports that month.
In September, imports rose by 38.85% year over year and were 11% above the five-year average. In August, the EU imported 90,709 tons, a 20% increase from the same month in 2024. From January to September, South African imports totaled 308,251 tons, representing a 45% rise over the same period last year and a 13% increase over the five-year average.
Within the small citrus segment, South Africa's shipments reached 180,140 tons by September, up 24.5% from 2024 and 54% above the five-year average. In September alone, the EU imported 74,459 tons, 39% more than in 2024 and 90% above the historical average.
Last September, the Citrus Growers Association of South Africa (CGA) and the Fresh Produce Exporters' Forum (FPEF) announced the early end of the Valencia orange season in regions affected by black spot (CBS). This decision did not impact the Western Cape and Northern Cape provinces, which are the main areas for later varieties. These oranges continue to reach European ports in September and October, aligning with Spain's harvesting season.
A similar trend was seen in 2023, following the partial suspension of shipments. About 90,000 tons of South African citrus entered the EU in October. In October 2024, the EU imported 145,903 tons of South African oranges, the second-highest volume in the past eight years.
The increase in South African exports to Europe is also driven by trade factors. Since August 8, 2025, the United States has imposed a 30% tariff on South African citrus, reducing their competitiveness in that market. Conversely, the EU has a free trade agreement with South Africa, which has effectively eliminated tariffs on oranges since October 10, 2025, with full removal scheduled for 2026.
The European market's increase in imports has synchronized with the start of the Spanish season, impacting growers and exporters in the Valencian Community and other regions. Local exporters report a slower start to the season, partly due to lower prices resulting from reduced production and partly because South African citrus is now in European markets.
Data from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food shows that South Africa is increasing its presence in the European citrus market, especially toward the end of the season, directly competing with Spanish production.
Source: castellonplaza.com