South Africa exports a record 2.9M tons of citrus in 2025, beating Spain 

SOUTH AFRICA – South Africa has become the world’s largest citrus exporter by volume, supplying 2.9 million tons of fruit to international markets in 2025, marginally surpassing Spain and highlighting the country’s export growth in recent years. 

Several key factors have driven South Africa’s rise as a citrus exporter. First, the country’s export-oriented model; second, strong compliance with international plant health and sustainability standards; and third, high fruit quality and long-standing integration into global supply chains have all contributed to this achievement.  

However, South Africa is not the world’s largest citrus producer, as significant volumes are produced in China, Brazil, and Spain, largely for their domestic markets. Therefore, South Africa’s position reflects its focus on exports rather than total production volume. 

Nonetheless, South Africa and Spain coordinate the global citrus supply through complementary roles. For instance, Spain anchors supply during the Northern Hemisphere season, while South Africa provides continuity during the Northern Hemisphere summer.  

Therefore, this seasonal coordination ensures that Northern Hemisphere consumers have consistent access to world-class citrus year-round, supporting category stability and long-term consumption patterns. Consequently, the partnership benefits both origins rather than creating direct competition. 

However, despite this stellar performance, several economic challenges and risks currently threaten South African citrus growers, including unpredictable prices, rising input costs, and market access issues. 

“Volume is just one single measure with which to assess an industry. South African growers continue to face challenges. Currently, the impact of the situation in the Middle East on fuel costs and shipping routes is a concern, which is placing significant pressure on grower margins,” said Dr Boitshoko Ntshabele, CEO of the Citrus Growers Association.  

The citrus industry in South Africa supports at least 140,000 jobs on the farm and packhouse level alone. “It forms the heart of many rural economies throughout the country, from Letsitele in Limpopo to Addo in the Eastern Cape to Citrusdal in the Western Cape,” said Dr Ntshabele.  

The CGA’s Vision 260 initiative reflects the industry’s focus on long-term grower sustainability and unlocking the potential to export 260 million cartons by 2032.  

South Africa’s success demonstrates that export-driven models can achieve global leadership. However, the pressures of rising costs and market access barriers remain universal challenges.  

Therefore, investors should monitor how South African growers navigate these headwinds, as their strategies may offer replicable solutions for other regional exporters. 

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