SA citrus breaks records as lucrative NEW market opens South African citrus exports go from strength to strength, as a decade-long negotiation with India finally bears fruit ... Citrus is quickly becoming South Africa’s export darling in the agricultural sector. The category pulled in $2.53 billion in 2025 (up 39% on the year before). This makes citrus the fastest growing export of any product in the country, even more than platinum, gold or motor vehicles. And there’s more good news to celebrate ...

SOUTH AFRICAN CITRUS BEARS FRUIT It was announced this week that the potentially massive Indian market will widen treatment options for fresh South African citrus. The deal follows nearly ten years of negotiation between the Department of Agriculture, Citrus Research International and Indian authorities.

Representing a market of roughly 1.5-billion people, the sub-continental nation approved extra cold-treatment for fruit flies. Currently, India takes just 1.5% of South Africa’s citrus exports.

Agriculture Minister Willie Aucamp says the new deal ‘break down barriers.’ However, trade tariffs remain a sticking point. Citrus Growers’ Association (CGA) CEO Boitshoko Ntshabele welcomed the breakthrough but says tariffs of nearly 30% still leave South Africa at a disadvantage.

WHERE SA CITRUS GOES At the moment, Europe still accounts for 36% of South Africa’s citrus exports, more than any other market. But the CGA call its rules excessive. There is zero tolerance for pests, plus mandatory cold treatment and strict inspection protocols. That’s part of why the industry is pushing hard to diversify into India and China. South Africa is in fact the world’s second-largest citrus exporter, behind only Spain.

Separately, the industry has just wrapped its biggest export season ever. South Africa shipped more than 200-million 15-kg cartons of citrus in 2025, well above forecasts.

South Africa’s total exports hit $116.8 billion in 2025, up 5.9% on 2024, with the trade surplus climbing 29.8% to $11.9 billion, or R1.9 trillion. And the role of citrus in that number only keeps growing from strength to strength. But what do you think? Are you excited to hear that one of the South Africa’s agricultural industries is starting to rival mining and manufacturing sectors? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below ...