South Africa’s citrus industry is celebrating a record-breaking 2025 export season, delivering 203.4 million 15 kg cartons to global markets. The sector has strengthened its position as one of the world’s leading citrus exporters, achieving its highest-ever volumes and signalling strong future growth. 

Supported by high international demand, improved logistics, and expanding orchards, the industry continues to play a major role in South Africa’s agricultural economy, said agriculture minister John Steenhuisen.

Citrus exports are breaking records for the 2025 season. Photo: Pexel

This year’s export performance represents a 22% increase on 2024’s packed-for-export figures, significantly surpassing both initial estimates and long-term growth projections.

“This achievement is a testament to the resilience and strategic foresight of our citrus growers, workers and industry leadership,” said the minister. “Reaching more than 203 million cartons for the export market demonstrates the sector’s vital role in our economy, its job-creation capacity, and its contribution to the country’s foreign earnings.”

South Africa remains the world’s second-largest citrus exporter after Spain. Around two-thirds of local citrus production is exported as fresh fruit, generating 95% of the industry’s total annual earnings and supporting substantial employment.

Continued growth expected

Mandarins showed the strongest growth this season, increasing by 28% due to rising global consumer demand. South Africa now supplies citrus to more than 100 countries.

“This industry remains the largest export earner in the agricultural sector by value,” Steenhuisen added. “It continues to reinforce the fruit industry’s role as a cornerstone of South African agriculture and a stabiliser of the national economy in times of crisis, as seen during the Covid-19 pandemic.”

The department of agriculture says it will continue working with industry role-players to address logistical challenges, protect and expand market access, create more jobs, and boost foreign exchange earnings. With global citrus consumption expected to continue rising, South Africa is well-positioned to maintain and expand its market presence in international markets.

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OFM Agri/Isabel van Tonder mvh