South Africa's citrus exports have surpassed 200 million boxes, marking a significant year-on-year increase of 22%.

The Citrus Growers' Association (CGA) of South Africa attributes this record performance to favorable weather, strong international demand, and improved port operations. Other factors include the exceptional demand for processing-grade juice oranges and juice lemons in overseas markets, as well as the early end of the supply from the Northern Hemisphere, which extended the critical sales period at the beginning of the South African citrus season. Meanwhile, South African growers face ongoing challenges, including unpredictable market prices, rising input costs, high tariffs, and market access issues such as phytosanitary measures. The United States imposes a 30% high tariff on South African citrus, although this policy only took effect at the end of the season and had limited impact on this season, it may affect the 2026 season. CGA President Gerrit van der Merwe stated that the government must actively seek to improve market access for South African citrus in China, India, Japan, South Korea, the European Union, and the United States.