Africa is exporting more citrus to Europe and Asia

Citrus exports from Africa to the EU, the UK and Asia are increasing, helping to make up for a growing shortage due to the low yields in these markets. According to the EU Citrus Semi-Annual Report, the European citrus crop is expected to fall by 10% in the 2022-23 season, with Spain set to experience the largest drop. This means that African growers can fill the gap. The combined impact of insufficient spring rains, a warmer summer and drought until May 2023 have endangered European citrus production, especially oranges and lemons, according to the report. Conversely, African countries are recording higher fruit crops despite heavy rainfall in some countries such as South Africa and a lack of adequate water in Morocco, suggesting an expansion of commercial fruit growing areas on the continent. South African oranges are now playing a vital role in filling a supply gap in Europe at a time when the Spanish citrus harvest has ended and little other supply is available. South Africa ...