SA citrus hits records as India opens to treated fruit

South African citrus exports recorded a banner year in 2025 and have secured wider access to a potentially large new market after a decade-long negotiation with Indian authorities. The sector’s growth and the new trade developments come as the industry reports record shipment volumes and rising export revenues.

Record year for citrus

South African citrus generated $2.53 billion in 2025, an increase of 39% on the year before, making it the fastest-growing export category in the country. The industry also completed its largest export season on record, shipping more than 200-million 15-kg cartons of citrus in 2025.

On the broader trade front, South Africa’s total exports reached $116.8 billion in 2025, up 5.9% on 2024. The country’s trade surplus climbed 29.8% to $11.9 billion (R1.9 trillion).

India opens to extra cold-treatment

After nearly ten years of negotiations involving the Department of Agriculture and Citrus Research International, India approved extra cold-treatment for fruit flies, a move that widens treatment options for fresh South African citrus destined for the sub-continent. India represents a market of roughly 1.5-billion people, and currently takes just 1.5% of South Africa’s citrus exports.

“[The deal will] break down barriers,” Agriculture Minister Willie Aucamp said.

Market composition and remaining hurdles

Europe remains South Africa’s largest citrus destination, accounting for 36% of the country’s citrus exports. Industry rules in some markets include zero tolerance for pests, mandatory cold treatment and strict inspection protocols.

Citrus Growers’ Association CEO Boitshoko Ntshabele welcomed the breakthrough with India but warned that tariffs of nearly 30% still leave South African producers at a disadvantage.

Global position

South Africa is the world’s second-largest citrus exporter, behind Spain.

What this means

The new treatment approval for India opens a path to diversify export markets beyond Europe and other established destinations. While the agreement expands technical access, industry leaders point to tariff barriers as a continuing challenge for competitiveness.