The 2022 citrus export season kicks off later this month against a backdrop of continued challenges at SA ports and rising costs which could prevent the sector from celebrating a fourth record year in a row.
To remain competitive, SA's citrus exporters would have to focus on expanding in key markets like the US and India.
An estimate released by the Citrus Growers' Association this week on four of the five citrus varietals exported, estimates total growth of 4% in exports of lemons, navels, Valencias and grapefruit. No estimate on mandarin exports is available yet. On top of that, the conflict in Ukraine could negatively impact the volume of grapefruit SA exports this year, as Russia is a major importer of South African grapefruit. The Russian market accounts for approximately 7% to 10% of total South African citrus exports annually, with 11.2 million 15kg cartons of citrus fruit having been exported to Russia in 2021.
"Government and stakeholders across the value chain need to work together to improve the operational capacity and efficiency at the country's ports and to secure, and maintain, and retain as many market access opportunities as possible."
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