South Africa’s citrus exports surged by 22% in 2025, reaching a historic total of 203.4 million cartons (each weighing 15 kg), breaking the symbolic 3 million-ton threshold for the first time. The Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa (CGA) credits favorable weather, new fruit-bearing orchards, and improved farming efficiency, including enhanced water management and pest control, for this exceptional growth.
Logistics improvements, notably in port operations with investments by Transnet and productivity incentives, also boosted export efficiency. A rise in global demand, especially for oranges and lemons used in juice production, helped drive the volume.
Markets saw 19% of exports sent to the Middle East, 15% to Asia, and 9% to Russia. Among fruit types, Valencia oranges led with 61.8 million cartons (+26%), mandarins followed with 53.5 million (+28%), and lemons with 41.3 million (+19%) compared to 2024.
Under its Vision 260 strategy, the CGA aims to increase export volumes to 260 million cartons annually by 2032, creating 100,000 jobs and boosting foreign exchange inflows.
Leave a comment