JOHANNESBURG - South Africa is now the number one exporter of citrus in the world.
The Citrus Growers Association says local farmers shipped nearly 3tonnes in the 2025 season meaning it has surpassed Spain.
South Africa leads exports in the Southern Hemisphere, while Spain dominates in the north.
But despite this latest milestone, SA is still not among the world’s biggest citrus producers.
The industry is also facing mounting pressure.
Farmers are expected to export a record crop this season, but challenges like high tariffs, strict plant health rules and rising input costs continue to weigh on profits.
Recent flooding in parts of the Eastern and Western Cape has also added to the strain, damaging crops and infrastructure during a critical period for harvesting.
Despite the hurdles, there are signs of progress, with improved access to markets like China offering some relief to exporters.