Citrus fruit market in South Africa

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, South Africa's citrus fruit production showed mixed trends. In 2018, favourable weather conditions supported high export volumes, contributing to production of 6 028 thousand tonnes. Production remained stable around 5 930 thousand tonnes in 2020, but the domestic market volume dipped to 3 580 thousand tonnes. By 2021, access to diverse export destinations including the UK, South-East Asia, and the Middle East helped push production up to 6 448 thousand tonnes, with market volume recovering to 3 859 thousand tonnes.

The period 2022-2023 saw further production growth despite regulatory challenges. In 2022, even with abrupt EU cold-chain requirements and stringent phytosanitary measures for Citrus Black Spot and False Codling Moth, the industry invested over R1 billion in research and innovation, which supported a production increase to 7 196 thousand tonnes and market volume expansion to 4 588 thousand tonnes. In 2023, mandarin and tangerine exports hit record highs, and new market access protocols with the Philippines doubled export volumes, helping maintain production at 7 134 thousand tonnes, though the domestic market volume eased slightly to 4 503 thousand tonnes.

Production citrus fruit in South Africa

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, South Africa ranked 12th globally in citrus fruit production volume.

Top producers of citrus fruit, 2018-2021

World map of production of citrus fruit, 2018-2021

South Africa's citrus fruit production increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, the country produced 6 448 K t of citrus fruit, an 8.7% rise compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, production grew by 7%, averaging a 2.3% annual increase. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 5 921 K t, which also saw the largest decline of 1.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in South Africa in kind, 2018-2021, K t

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Citrus fruit production in South Africa increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, the output was valued at 4 547 M $ US, marking a modest 5.6% year-over-year growth. From 2018 to 2021, production rose by 5.9%, with an average annual rate of 1.9%. The lowest value occurred in 2019 at 3 862 M $ US, which experienced the largest decline of 10.0%. In contrast, the largest increase was recorded in 2020 at 11.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in South Africa in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Exports citrus fruit from South Africa

Exports in kind, K t

Citrus fruit exports from South Africa increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, exports reached 2 598 K t, showing a robust 10.2% year-over-year rise. Between 2018 and 2021, exports grew by 20.9%, averaging a 6.5% annual increase. The lowest export volume was in 2019 at 2 093 K t, which saw the largest decline of 2.6%. The largest increase occurred in 2020 at 12.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South Africa in kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, South Africa's export portfolio for citrus fruit in kind was quite broad. The Netherlands accounted for 20.6% of exports, the United Kingdom for 8.4%, and China for 7.4%. Together, these three countries represented only 36.4% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from South Africa in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, M $ US

Cross-border shipments of citrus fruit from South Africa increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, exports amounted to 1 832 M $ US, up 7.0% compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, exports rose by 19.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 6.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 1 365 M $ US, which experienced the largest decline of 10.8%. The largest increase was in 2020 at 25.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South Africa in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

During 2018–2021, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and China were important buyers of South African citrus fruit in value terms, accounting for 19.2%, 9.5%, and 7.2% of exports, respectively. However, their combined share reached only 35.9% of total export value, with the remaining 64.1% distributed among many other partners.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from South Africa in value, 2018-2021

Imports citrus fruit to South Africa

Imports in kind, K t

After a two-year reduction, citrus fruit imports into South Africa increased. In 2021, imports stood at 9 K t, which is 16.1% higher than in 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, imports grew by 3.5%, averaging a 1.1% annual increase. The lowest import volume was in 2020 at 8 K t, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 at 8.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South Africa in kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, Eswatini, Spain, and Morocco were the main sources for citrus fruit imports in kind into South Africa. Eswatini accounted for 43.9% of imports, Spain for 30.5%, and Morocco for 7.9%. Together, these three countries represented 82.3% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to South Africa in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, M $ US

Citrus fruit imports into South Africa increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports were recorded at 7 M $ US, a 29.0% rise compared to the previous year. Over the period 2018–2021, imports grew by 67.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 18.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South Africa in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Spain, Morocco, and Eswatini were the main sources for citrus fruit imports into South Africa in value terms. Spain accounted for 52.2% of imports, Morocco for 16.5%, and Eswatini for 8.6%. Together, these three countries absorbed 77.4% of total import value.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to South Africa in value, 2018-2021