Oranges market in Eswatini

Earlier Report Observations

The orange market in Eswatini expanded consistently from 2018 to 2023, with total volume growing by over 10 000 tons from 30 353 t to 40 760 t. This increase was driven primarily by a sharp decline in export volumes, which made more fruit available domestically, coupled with a steady rise in local production.

Domestic orange output increased gradually from 44 645 t to 46 273 t during the period, while imports varied between 3 294 t and 4 272 t before a notable drop in 2024. The most significant change was the halving of exports from 18 986 t in 2018 to 9 167 t in 2023, directly boosting the supply to the local market.

By 2024, export volumes had decreased further to 6 596 t, and imports fell to 2 135 t, pointing to a continued shift toward domestic supply, although the full market size for that year is not available.

Production oranges in Eswatini

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of oranges, 2017-2020

World map of production of oranges, 2017-2020

Eswatini's orange production has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 45 436 tonnes of oranges, representing a 1.0% increase compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 2.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 0.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in Eswatini in kind, 2017-2020, t

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Eswatini's orange production value has also risen for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 15 066 thousand US dollars, reflecting a gradual increase of 7.6% relative to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production value increased by 34.1%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 10.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Eswatini in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports oranges from Eswatini

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Eswatini's cross-border shipments of oranges amounted to 13 801 tonnes, up by 2.2% compared to the prior year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 9.9%, with an average annual decline of 3.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 13 506 tonnes, while the highest was in 2018 at 18 986 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019, falling by 28.9%, and the largest increase was in 2018, rising by 24.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and South Africa formed the core group of markets for Eswatini's orange exports in volume terms. The Netherlands accounted for 24.6% of exports, the United Kingdom for 21.2%, and South Africa for 12.0%. Together, these three markets represented 57.8% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Eswatini's orange export value reached 4 576 thousand US dollars, showing an uptick of 9.0% relative to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, export value increased by 17.5%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 5.5%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 5 307 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019, falling by 20.9%, while the largest increase was in 2018, rising by 36.3%.

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

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Saudi Arabia remained the leading destinations for Eswatini's orange exports in value terms. The Netherlands accounted for 24.5% of exports, the United Kingdom for 13.7%, and Saudi Arabia for 12.3%. Combined, these three markets represented 50.5% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports oranges to Eswatini

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Eswatini's orange imports amounted to 3 354 tonnes, marking a gain of 1.8% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 2.6%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 0.9%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 4 695 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019, falling by 29.8%, while the largest increase was in 2018, rising by 43.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the structure of Eswatini's orange imports in volume terms was dominated by a single market: South Africa, which accounted for 97.9% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Eswatini's orange import value declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 437 thousand US dollars, reflecting a decline of 8.8% versus the previous year. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 570 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019, falling by 15.9%, while the largest increase was in 2018, rising by 32.1%.

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

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, Eswatini's dependence on South Africa was pronounced in value terms: this market accounted for 98.7% of total orange imports.

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

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