South Africa has officially become the world’s largest citrus exporter by volume after shipping 2.9 million tonnes of citrus during 2025, narrowly overtaking Spain in global export rankings. According to the Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa (CGA), the latest export figures reflect the continued expansion of South Africa’s export-driven citrus sector and its growing ...

China has introduced a zero-tariff program covering imports from 53 African countries and approved amendments to South Africa’s citrus cold-treatment protocol, moves expected to strengthen export opportunities for one of the Southern Hemisphere’s largest citrus industries. The measures mark another step in deepening trade relations between China and Africa, particularly as South Africa seeks to ...

South Africa has secured a major boost for its citrus exports after signing a revised phytosanitary agreement with the People’s Republic of China, aimed at easing cold treatment requirements and improving market access. The agreement, signed in Pretoria by Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen and Chinese Ambassador Wu Peng, is expected to enhance export efficiency, lower ...

South Africa’s citrus industry is facing mounting pressure as anticipated fuel price increases and rising logistics costs threaten to disrupt the 2026 export season. The Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa (CGA) has warned that higher fuel prices—combined with additional container surcharges linked to ongoing Middle East hostilities—could significantly impact producers already operating on tight ...

Rising Trade Tensions Within SACU Growing trade restrictions within the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) are raising concerns about the future of regional agricultural trade. The Agricultural Business Chamber (Agbiz) has warned that recent export barriers imposed by neighbouring countries could disrupt agricultural flows and weaken the customs union’s core principle of free movement of ...

South Africa is on track for another strong year in citrus exports, with the industry forecasting shipments of 210 to 215 million cartons for the 2026 season—potentially surpassing last year’s record of 203.4 million cartons. As the world’s second-largest citrus exporter after Spain, South Africa continues to play a vital role in global fruit supply, ...

South Africa’s citrus industry is facing growing uncertainty as farmers warn that fuel supply risks could disrupt the upcoming export season. Reports of isolated diesel shortages, combined with expected fuel price increases, are raising concerns about the stability of agricultural logistics at a critical time for exports. According to the Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern ...

South Africa’s agricultural export sector, a critical pillar of the country’s economy, faces growing uncertainty as escalating tensions in the Middle East threaten to disrupt global trade routes and market access. According to agricultural economist Wandile Sihlobo, the region plays a strategic role in South Africa’s export landscape, serving as both a major destination for ...

South Africa’s citrus industry is facing a delicate balancing act as export volumes rise while a stronger rand puts pressure on grower margins. The country is forecast to export around 206 million 15 kg cartons of citrus this year, up from 203.7 million cartons last season, reflecting the sector’s expanding production. However, growers are increasingly ...

South Africa’s citrus industry recorded a historic export performance last season, with growers packing a record 203.7 million cartons for export, representing a 22% increase compared with 2024, according to industry data. While the surge confirms the sector’s strong production capacity, industry stakeholders continue to caution that rising volumes alone do not guarantee sustainable growth ...