South Africa now the world’s largest citrus exporter, but for how long?

South Africa has overtaken Spain as the world’s largest citrus exporter by volume, according to Citrus Growers Association CEO Dr Boitshoko Ntshabele.

However, ongoing logistics challenges and the impact of this month’s severe weather threaten to take the shine off South Africa’s export achievement. 

Writing in his regular column, Dr Ntshabele said the 2025 citrus crop of 204 million 15kg cartons tipped the scales in favour of South Africa for biggest citrus exporter status.  “It is a remarkable achievement and a testament to the hard work of growers and their workers, government, Transnet, and the entire logistics supply chain in driving efficiencies,” he said, adding that South Africa had previously been the second-largest exporter after Spain. 

“Government played a significant role in securing markets for the industry, while Transnet and other stakeholders ensured a steady flow through the ports to destinations around the world. In short, this reflects the value created through partnerships,” Dr Ntshabele said. 

Initial estimates for the 2026 export season were favourable – a further increase to 209 million 15kg cartons. “This confirms the upward trend but again calls for stronger partnerships as headwinds such as the war in the Middle East and its effects pose serious challenges as the season gathers momentum,” he said.

However, the export push has amplified concerns about inland logistics pressure, now considered one of the sector’s biggest operational challenges, according to an Exporters Western Cape logistics update published this week. “Recent industry discussions have highlighted growing concern around road transport dependence as export volumes continue to increase across major corridors,” the update says. “Exporters are pushing for faster implementation of rail access and corridor reform as dependence on road transport continues to increase cost exposure across the supply chain.” 

Media reports this week highlighted crop damage, particularly in the Eastern Cape Gamtoos Valley where losses could reduce the regional harvest by 12% to 15%. Even with these losses, South Africa’s upcoming export crown should not be lost to Spain, according to agricultural stakeholders.  

Spain harvests significantly more total citrus than South Africa does, but their export volume is lower due to their high local consumption.