South Africa’s citrus industry has delivered a standout performance in 2025, setting a new export record and reinforcing its position as a powerhouse in global agricultural trade. The country shipped more than 203 million 15kg cartons of citrus to international markets, marking the highest volume ever recorded and underscoring the sector’s growing influence in the economy.
Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen hailed the achievement as a clear signal of strength across the value chain. He noted that the combined efforts of growers, workers, and industry leaders continue to drive expansion despite global uncertainties. He stressed that crossing the 200 million carton mark reflects not only resilience but also the sector’s ability to create jobs, generate foreign earnings, and sustain economic momentum.
The latest export figures show a sharp 22% increase compared to 2024, outperforming projections and signaling accelerated growth. Strong weather conditions supported production during the season, while investments in new orchards over recent years are now paying off. As younger trees reach maturity, output levels have risen steadily, giving exporters more volume to supply international markets.
South Africa remains the world’s second-largest citrus exporter, behind Spain, with nearly two-thirds of its citrus output shipped as fresh produce. This export-driven model generates about 95% of the industry’s revenue and supports thousands of jobs across farming communities, packhouses, and logistics networks. As a result, the citrus sector continues to stand as a key pillar of the country’s agricultural economy and a stabilising force during periods of economic pressure.
Agricultural economist Thabile Nkunjana pointed to a combination of global and domestic factors behind the record performance. Northern hemisphere producers, including Turkey, Spain, and the United States, ended their seasons earlier, creating a wider export window for South Africa. At the same time, improvements in port operations and logistics reduced delays that had previously constrained export volumes, allowing shipments to move more efficiently.
However, the season was not without challenges. In August 2025, the United States introduced a 30% tariff on South African exports following tensions between Donald Trump and Cyril Ramaphosa. While the move raised concerns across the industry, its immediate impact on citrus exports remained limited because most of the shipments had already been completed before the tariff took effect.
A legal twist later emerged when the US Supreme Court ruled the tariff unlawful, offering a potential reprieve for exporters. Still, uncertainty lingers as new tariff measures are being considered, keeping trade relations under close watch.
Looking forward, the industry is shifting focus toward expanding its footprint in Middle Eastern and Asian markets, where demand continues to rise. These regions present strong opportunities for growth due to their population size and increasing appetite for imported fresh produce. With this momentum, the sector has set an ambitious target of exporting 260 million cartons by 2032.
South Africa’s record-breaking citrus export season highlights more than just strong numbers. It reflects a sector that continues to evolve, adapt, and compete on the global stage. Despite trade tensions and logistical challenges, the industry is pushing forward, positioning itself as a critical driver of economic growth and a symbol of resilience in Africa’s agricultural story.
