Oranges market in Zimbabwe

Earlier Report Observations

Orange production in Zimbabwe increased from 118.9 thousand tons in 2018 to 177.7 thousand tons in 2023. The sector faced initial headwinds, including the loss of Southern African and global market share and underutilization of agronomic expertise, even in traditionally favorable growing regions. Additionally, the 2018 amendment to indigenisation legislation affected agricultural investment and ownership structures, potentially constraining growth.

Domestic market volume for oranges expanded from 65.5 thousand tons to 123.5 thousand tons over the same period, though it fluctuated significantly. A surge in exports to 66.9 thousand tons in 2021 temporarily reduced domestic availability, pulling market volume down to 89.6 thousand tons that year. The market recovered thereafter, reaching 123.5 thousand tons in 2023.

By 2024, the industry confronted a declared State of National Disaster due to drought and cyclones, threatening orange productivity. Concurrently, heightened focus on sustainability, compliance with international regulations like the EU Deforestation Regulation, and active participation in international trade fairs aimed to secure market access and improve the competitiveness of Zimbabwean oranges.

Production oranges in Zimbabwe

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of oranges, 2017-2020

World map of production of oranges, 2017-2020

Orange production in Zimbabwe has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 151.8 thousand tons of oranges, which represents a 14.0% increase compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 28.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 8.7%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Zimbabwe's orange production has risen for the third year in a row. In 2020, the output of oranges was valued at 22 869 thousand US dollars, reflecting a gradual increase of 5.8% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production increased by 52.6%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 15.1%.

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

Exports oranges from Zimbabwe

Exports in kind, t

Zimbabwe exported 49 400 tons of oranges in 2020, marking a limited increase of 6.1% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 9.5%, with an average annual rate of 3.1%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 13.4%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 19.3%. The peak export volume was in 2018, reaching 53 798 tons.

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

From 2017 to 2020, South Africa served as the primary destination for Zimbabwe's orange exports, consistently accounting for 94.2% of total export volumes.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Zimbabwe's orange export value declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country exported 7 444 thousand US dollars worth of oranges, reflecting a slight drop of 1.5% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 30%, with an annualized growth rate of 9.1%. The largest decline was in 2019 at 7.4%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 42.4%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 8 157 thousand US dollars.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, South Africa dominated the partner structure of Zimbabwe's orange exports in value terms, consistently representing 93.0% of total flows.

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

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

Imports oranges to Zimbabwe

Imports in kind, t

The market showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2020, while the highest was in 2018, with an 81-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Zimbabwe imported 4 tons of oranges, representing an abrupt increase of 702.0% from 2019.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Zimbabwe's orange imports in volume were almost entirely sourced from South Africa, which accounted for 100.0% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. The lowest import value was in 2020, while the peak occurred in 2018, showing a 163-fold fluctuation. In 2020, Zimbabwe's orange imports stood at 0.3 thousand US dollars, constituting a steep advance of 52.8% compared to the previous year.

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

Over 2017 to 2020, South Africa concentrated almost all of Zimbabwe's orange imports in value terms, with a share of 99.7% of total flows.

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

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