Export is now the big play for SA orange growers following the premium status recognition by the Chinese Government. Whilst the Chinese recognition officially came in November 2017, the full benefits are only now just beginning for growers and exporters as the first shipment of navel orange are arriving on Chinese shores.
Pest-free recognition from China now means South Australian oranges can be sent to Asia via the more direct route of Port Adelaide, cutting about a week off the month-long journey from packing shed to retailer. Previously the Chinese Government had required all Australian oranges to be cold-treated and shipped from Melbourne, incurring additional costs for growers of about $200 a ton.
According to businessnewsaus.com.au, Australian citrus exports totalled 273,232 tons last year at a value of $462 million. This represented a 19 percent growth in volume and a 32 percent growth in value. About 71,000 tons of this went to China.
