CAPE TOWN, May 15 (Xinhua) -- South Africa exported 2.9 million tonnes of citrus in 2025, becoming the world's largest citrus exporter by volume, the Department of Agriculture has confirmed.
"This great achievement is one that should be celebrated by all South Africans. To overtake a citrus export giant like Spain, even by a small margin, is no easy feat. We are known for our world-class quality fruit and strict compliance with international plant health standards," Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen said in a statement released on Thursday.
Steenhuisen noted, however, that while South Africa now leads in export volume, countries including China, Brazil and Spain continue to dominate total citrus production, with much of their output serving domestic markets.
Steenhuisen reaffirmed the department's commitment to expanding market access and reducing trade costs.
"Our production growth must be met with intensified diplomacy and infrastructure support," he said. "We are continuously looking for new market opportunities while working to ensure that we expand our current markets."
According to the Citrus Growers' Association of Southern Africa (CGA), South Africa exported slightly more citrus than Spain during the past season.
"Volume is just one single measure by which to assess an industry," said Boitshoko Ntshabele, chief executive officer of the CGA, noting that South African growers continued to face challenges including rising input costs, market access barriers and pressure from shipping and fuel costs linked to the situation in the Middle East.
"The citrus industry in South Africa supports at least 140,000 jobs at the farm and packhouse levels alone. It forms the heart of many rural economies throughout the country," Ntshabele said. ■