SA Citrus Sector Hits Historic 203 Million-Carton Export Record in 2025

The country’s citrus varieties — including oranges, lemons, soft citrus, grapefruit, and Valencia oranges — are exported to more than 100 countries.

South Africa’s citrus industry has achieved a landmark milestone in the 2025 export season, delivering an unprecedented 203.4 million 15kg cartons of citrus to global markets — the highest volume ever recorded since the inception of the country’s citrus export trade. This remarkable performance marks a 22% surge compared with 2024 export volumes and exceeds all industry forecasts, cementing South Africa’s status as a global citrus powerhouse.

The milestone comes at a time when the agricultural sector is navigating global market volatility, logistics challenges, and changing climatic conditions, yet continues to maintain its position as one of South Africa’s top performing export industries.

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A Milestone of National Significance

Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen congratulated the citrus industry on its extraordinary achievement, praising growers, packhouse workers, farm managers, exporters, and industry leaders for demonstrating exceptional resilience and strategic adaptability.

“This achievement by the industry is a testament to the resilience and strategic foresight of our citrus growers, workers, and industry leadership. Hitting over 203 million cartons is a powerful indicator of the sector’s vital role in our economy, its capacity to create jobs, and its contribution to our country’s foreign earnings,” the Minister said.

The Minister emphasised that the citrus industry continues to stand as the cornerstone of the agricultural economy, sustaining livelihoods and stabilising the national economy during periods of economic strain — a role seen prominently during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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South Africa: A Global Citrus Superpower

South Africa remains the world’s second-largest citrus exporter, trailing only Spain. The country’s citrus varieties — including oranges, lemons, soft citrus, grapefruit, and Valencia oranges — are exported to more than 100 countries.

Key highlights of the industry’s performance include:

• Two-thirds of South Africa’s citrus production is exported as fresh fruit.

• These exports account for 95% of the sector’s total revenue.

• The industry contributes significantly to national GDP and foreign exchange earnings.

• The citrus value chain supports over 140,000 jobs, making it one of the country’s largest agricultural employers.

The 2025 season’s record-breaking numbers underscore the industry’s long-term competitiveness and its strategic importance for South Africa’s rural economic development.

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Strong Growth Despite Global Challenges

The 203.4 million cartons shipped in 2025 represent sustained growth across all citrus categories, reflecting:

• expanded orchard production

• increased investment in new cultivars

• improved pest management and phytosanitary compliance

• strategic expansion into new markets

• a more coordinated national logistics framework

Industry experts attribute part of the export surge to growing demand in markets such as:

• the European Union

• the Middle East

• Asia (especially China and South Korea)

• Russia

• North America

The industry’s ability to deliver increased volumes despite persistent logistical constraints at ports demonstrates exceptional operational coordination across growers, exporters, shipping partners, and government stakeholders.

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Government Commitment to Market Access and Logistics Reform

Minister Steenhuisen reaffirmed the Department of Agriculture’s commitment to supporting the citrus industry, particularly as it faces:

• bottlenecks at key ports

• rising shipping costs

• strict import requirements from major trading partners

• the need to secure and expand preferential market access

“We will continue working closely and in partnership with the industry to navigate logistical challenges, grow and retain market access, and ensure this vital sector continues to create jobs and earn the foreign exchange our economy urgently needs,” the Minister said.

Strengthening cold-chain infrastructure, modernising port operations, and pursuing new phytosanitary agreements remain top government priorities.

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Citrus: A Strategic Asset for National Growth

With agriculture playing an increasingly important role in South Africa’s recovery and growth trajectory, the citrus industry’s performance reinforces its position as:

• the largest agricultural export industry by value,

• a key driver of inclusive job creation,

• a stabiliser of rural economies,

• and a major foreign exchange earner.

Analysts suggest that if infrastructure improvements continue and market access expands further, South Africa could surpass 220 million cartons in annual citrus exports within the next few years.

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A Record Year That Sets the Stage for the Future

The 2025 citrus export season will be remembered as a historic moment — one that reflects the strength of South Africa’s agricultural potential, the dedication of its growers and workers, and the critical importance of strategic collaboration between government and industry.

With global demand for high-quality citrus showing no signs of slowing and new markets opening across Asia and Africa, South Africa’s citrus industry is on track to reinforce its leadership on the world stage for years to come.