Mandarins, clementines, tangelos and citrus hybrids market in SADC

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for mandarins, clementines, tangelos and citrus hybrids in SADC expanded significantly from 214 thousand metric tons in 2018 to 331 thousand metric tons in 2019, before moderating slightly to 310 thousand metric tons in 2020.

Market volume recovered to 369 thousand metric tons in 2021, supported by a near doubling of South African mandarin exports to China that season. This surge was fueled by sufficient rainfall and new plantings reaching full production. Growth continued in 2022, with volume reaching 408 thousand metric tons. Although climatic episodes damaged groves and raised input costs, increased output from younger Nadorcott and Tango mandarin trees entering production, alongside growing popularity of organic clementines and tangerines, contributed to this rise.

In 2023, the market volume eased to 392 thousand metric tons as strong growth in export volumes, particularly for Nadorcott and Tango varieties from younger trees, directed more fruit abroad. The industry geared up for a robust export season despite port inefficiencies and tariff pressures. For the 2024 season, further increases in export volumes for mandarins and clementines were predicted, driven by younger trees coming into bearing and improved production of export-quality fruit, although challenges like load shedding and EU market restrictions persisted.

Production mandarins, clementines, tangelos and citrus hybrids in SADC

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of mandarins, clementines, tangelos and citrus hybrids, 2017-2020

World map of production of mandarins, clementines, tangelos and citrus hybrids, 2017-2020

SADC's production of mandarins, clementines, tangelos, and citrus hybrids has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 689.5 thousand tonnes, marking a significant 11.7% increase compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 81.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 22.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in SADC in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The value of mandarins, clementines, tangelos, and citrus hybrids produced in SADC has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 710.2 million US dollars, up 22.7% year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production value grew by 80.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 21.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in SADC in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports mandarins, clementines, tangelos and citrus hybrids from SADC

Exports in kind, K t

Exports of mandarins, clementines, tangelos, and citrus hybrids from SADC have risen for the third straight year. In 2020, exports reached 388.3 thousand tonnes, a sharp 31.8% increase from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, export volumes grew by 86.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 23.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from SADC in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Russia were the top destinations for exports in volume terms. The United Kingdom accounted for 25.6% of exports, the Netherlands for 21.2%, and Russia for 9.1%. Together, these three countries represented 55.9% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from SADC in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

The value of exported mandarins, clementines, tangelos, and citrus hybrids from SADC has increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports were valued at 400.0 million US dollars, a sudden 44.9% rise compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value grew by 85.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 22.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from SADC in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Russia were the main destinations for exports in value terms. The United Kingdom made up 25.3% of exports, the Netherlands 20.9%, and Russia 8.2%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 54.5% of total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from SADC in value, 2017-2020

Imports mandarins, clementines, tangelos and citrus hybrids to SADC

Imports in kind, K t

SADC's imports of mandarins, clementines, tangelos, and citrus hybrids have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 8.7 thousand tonnes, a 2.0% rise from the prior year. From 2017 to 2020, import volume grew by 12.3%, with an annualized rate of 3.9%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 6.1 thousand tonnes, which represented a 20.9% decline from the previous year. In contrast, 2019 saw the largest increase, with imports rising by 39.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to SADC in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, the supplier base for mandarins, clementines, tangelos, and citrus hybrids to SADC was diverse. Pakistan contributed 15.0% of imports in volume, Spain 13.8%, and Egypt 6.8%. Together, these three countries accounted for only 35.6% of total imports, with many other nations holding smaller but notable shares.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to SADC in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

The value of mandarins, clementines, tangelos, and citrus hybrids imported by SADC has grown for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports totaled 9.3 million US dollars, a slight 2.4% improvement over the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, import value increased by 11.9%, with an annualized rate of 3.8%. The lowest value was in 2018 at 6.4 million US dollars, marking a 22.8% decline. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a 41.5% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to SADC in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, the partner landscape for imports in value terms was broad. Spain accounted for 18.8% of imports, Egypt for 10.7%, and Pakistan for 10.3%. Combined, these three countries formed only 39.8% of total import value, while the remaining 60.2% came from many other countries.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to SADC in value, 2017-2020