South Africa's citrus industry is facing new trade pressure after the United States introduced a 31 import tariff on local citrus Reuters. According to the Citrus Growers' Association of Southern Africa CGA, the tariff hike could lead to export losses.
The United States is South Africa's fifth-largest citrus market, accounting for approximately 8 of the country's total citrus exports. The new tariff specifically targets oranges and lemons, following complaints from US growers about increased competition and the impact on local prices.
Citrus is South Africas largest agricultural export industry. A recent media release shows that it is contributing R34 billion in foreign revenue per season. A key priority is improved market access for our fruit, especially with the massive increase in citrus production projected for the next few years.
The US, Chinese and Indian markets offer immense promise for growth in the future. One must remember, as a general rule of thumb, every 10 million cartons of citrus that South Africa exports creates close to 10 000 jobs, changing lives in rural towns like Letsitele, Addo and Citrusdal, said Gerrit van der Merwe, Chairperson of the CGA.
South Africa is the second-largest citrus exporter globally, after Spain. The country's main export markets include the European Union, China and the Middle East. The US has played a key role in absorbing specific varieties, such as navels and lemons from the Eastern and Western Cape.