Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Increased volumes, improved logistics, and a welcoming export market have culminated in Southern Africa’s best export season yet.
According to the Southern African Citrus Growers Association (CGA), Southern African citrus growers packed 203,4 million 15kg cartons for delivery to global markets. This is a 22% increase from the packed-for-export figures in 2024.
Individual figures
The final packed figures for 2025 are as follows:
- Grapefruit: 15,3 million cartons (15kg equivalent) were packed for export, which is a 7% increase from the 2024 season.
- Mandarins: 53,5 million cartons were packed, representing a notable 28% increase from the previous season.
- Lemons: 41,3 million cartons were packed. This is a 19% increase from the packed figures of 2024.
- Navel oranges: 31,5 million cartons were packed for export. This is 25% more than in the previous season.
- Valencia oranges: A total of 61,8 million cartons were packed this year. Last year, only 48,7 million cartons were packed.
Driving forces
According to the CGA there were several reasons why the industry has had such an exceptional export season. Over the past season, many young trees came into fruit and the industry also experienced favourable weather conditions. In addition, there was a global demand for processing-grade juicing oranges and lemons. Additionally, the northern hemisphere’s supply ended earlier than usual, which added extra sales weeks to the beginning of the Southern African citrus season.
Furthermore, logistic efficiency improved – especially at Transnet’s ports. This was largely driven by investments in new equipment and the introduction of employee incentives linked to productivity. The CGA added that there was a high level of effective co-operation by all logistics players, including shipping lines, resulting in a productive logistics eco-system.
Better water-use efficiency and pest management on farm level, combined with expanded net coverage, also contributed to exceptional pack-outs and fruit quality.
Dr Boitshoko Ntshabele, CEO of the CGA, said this year’s favourable export season was slightly ahead of the industry’s long-term projection model. The industry’s long-term goal is to export 260 million cartons by 2032, which will lead to an additional 100 000 jobs and contribute significantly more to the regional economy. But such strong growth does not come without its challenges. “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 prices and market dynamics, rising input costs, as well as market access issues such as high tariffs and unscientific plant health measures,” said Dr Ntshabele.
Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist of Agbiz, said the citrus industry’s success is in line with most South African agricultural exports, which have been superb thus far in 2025. “The products that dominated the exports list in the second quarter of the year were mainly citrus, apples and pears, maize, wine, nuts, fruit juices, dates, pineapples, avocados, grapes, and wool,” said Sihlobo.
While there remains a need for further improvement in port efficiency, significant progress has been made compared to recent years, Sihlobo added. “In an environment where trade friction and fears of slowing exports persist as a constant concern, such activity is encouraging. We can expect to receive reports of similar activity in other fruits and commodities in the coming months.”
Limited impact of tariffs
It was also important to note that the imposition of a 30% tariff by the United States (US) on citrus from South Africa had a limited impact on the industry this season. This was because the tariffs came into effect towards the end of the local season. Growers in the Western and Northern Cape – the only two provinces that export to the US – were also able to increase and fast-track shipments to the US before 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 US and South Africa must be finalised urgently,” said Dr Ntshabele. He also said a tariff exemption for citrus or all seasonal fresh produce makes sense, as the import of citrus sustains off-season consumption in the US and avoids unnecessary inflation. “As a relevant example, the US already exempts Brazilian orange juice from tariffs,” added Ntshabele.
Hunger for new markets
Sihlobo said it remains critical that efforts continue to expand export markets. “South Africa’s export-oriented agricultural sector must work to maintain its current export markets and expand into new ones.”
Gerrit van der Merwe, the chairperson of the CGA, agreed with Sihlobo. “It is imperative that the government actively pursues improved market access in China, India, Japan, South Korea, the European Union, and the US. These markets represent real growth opportunities for South African citrus, which is globally recognised for its quality and taste.” – Susan Marais, Plaas Media
