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South Africa - Citrus Fruit - Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends and Insights
Report Update: Jun 1, 2025

South Africa - Citrus Fruit - Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends and Insights

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Apr 13, 2024

South Africa Sees a Surge in Citrus Export Revenue, Reaching $1.9B by 2023

South Africa Citrus Fruit Exports

In 2023, the amount of citrus fruits exported from South Africa was estimated at 2.6M tons, standing approx. at the previous year's figure. Overall, total exports indicated a tangible increase from 2013 to 2023: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +4.2% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2023 figures, exports increased by +55.6% against 2016 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when exports increased by 13%. Over the period under review, the exports attained the maximum in 2023 and are expected to retain growth in years to come.

In value terms, citrus fruit exports expanded sharply to $1.9B (IndexBox estimates) in 2023. In general, total exports indicated resilient growth from 2013 to 2023: its value increased at an average annual rate of +6.7% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2023 figures, exports increased by +36.5% against 2019 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 with an increase of 25% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs in 2023 and are expected to retain growth in the near future.South Africa Citrus Fruit Exports By Country (Million USD)

COUNTRYExport Value of Citrus Fruit in South Africa (million USD)
20132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
Netherlands185183191229259253244363377340425
United Arab Emirates83.811211011711394.288.5127139136172
United Kingdom103111112126140148130165168145161
Russia10194.391.773.010511391.1126129138146
United States30.334.939.842.546.554.549.689.9123106135
China22.933.140.549.987.214710396.4120132107
Canada41.047.348.044.250.961.452.577.578.385.891.6
Hong Kong29.077.562.174.410898.485.173.465.862.158.6
Saudi Arabia64.169.469.686.783.682.687.274.677.864.756.6
Others312325330327407477433520564511510
Total9731,0871,0941,1711,4001,5301,3651,7121,8431,7211,863

Exports by Country

the Netherlands (611K tons) was the main destination for citrus fruit exports from South Africa, with a 23% share of total exports. Moreover, citrus fruit exports to the Netherlands exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, the United Arab Emirates (268K tons), twofold. Russia (218K tons) ranked third in terms of total exports with an 8.2% share.

From 2013 to 2023, the average annual growth rate of volume to the Netherlands stood at +6.2%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: the United Arab Emirates (+5.7% per year) and Russia (+0.8% per year).

In value terms, the Netherlands ($425M) remains the key foreign market for citrus fruits exports from South Africa, comprising 23% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by the United Arab Emirates ($172M), with a 9.2% share of total exports. It was followed by the UK, with an 8.6% share.

From 2013 to 2023, the average annual growth rate of value to the Netherlands amounted to +8.7%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: the United Arab Emirates (+7.5% per year) and the UK (+4.6% per year).

Exports by Type

Oranges (1.2M tons), tangerines, mandarins, clementines, satsumas (622K tons) and lemons and limes (565K tons) were the main products of citrus fruit exports from South Africa, with a combined 91% share of total exports. Grapefruits and citrus fruits not elsewhere classified lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 8.6%.

From 2013 to 2023, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the major product types, was attained by citrus fruits not elsewhere classified (with a CAGR of +16.6%), while the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, oranges ($791M), tangerines, mandarins, clementines, satsumas ($581M) and lemons and limes ($362M) were the most exported types of citrus fruits from South Africa worldwide, together comprising 93% of total exports.

Among the main product categories, tangerines, mandarins, clementines, satsumas, with a CAGR of +16.5%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, over the period under review, while shipments for the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

In 2023, the citrus fruit price stood at $704 per ton (FOB, South Africa), growing by 7.3% against the previous year. Over the last decade, it increased at an average annual rate of +2.4%. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2016 an increase of 13% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the average export prices attained the peak figure at $729 per ton in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2023, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major export markets. In 2023, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was the United States ($1,147 per ton), while the average price for exports to Iraq ($464 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2013 to 2023, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to the United States (+5.4%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform

This report provides an in-depth analysis of the citrus fruit market in South Africa. Within it, you will discover the latest data on market trends and opportunities by country, consumption, production and price developments, as well as the global trade (imports and exports). The forecast exhibits the market prospects through 2030.

Product coverage:

  • FCL 507 - Grapefruit and pomelo
  • FCL 497 - Lemons and limes
  • FCL 490 - Oranges
  • FCL 495 - Tangerines, mandarins, clementines, satsumas
  • FCL 512 - Citrus fruit nes

Country coverage:

  • South Africa

Data coverage:

  • Market volume and value
  • Per Capita consumption
  • Forecast of the market dynamics in the medium term
  • Trade (exports and imports) in South Africa
  • Export and import prices
  • Market trends, drivers and restraints
  • Key market players and their profiles

Reasons to buy this report:

  • Take advantage of the latest data
  • Find deeper insights into current market developments
  • Discover vital success factors affecting the market

This report is designed for manufacturers, distributors, importers, and wholesalers, as well as for investors, consultants and advisors.

In this report, you can find information that helps you to make informed decisions on the following issues:

  1. How to diversify your business and benefit from new market opportunities
  2. How to load your idle production capacity
  3. How to boost your sales on overseas markets
  4. How to increase your profit margins
  5. How to make your supply chain more sustainable
  6. How to reduce your production and supply chain costs
  7. How to outsource production to other countries
  8. How to prepare your business for global expansion

While doing this research, we combine the accumulated expertise of our analysts and the capabilities of artificial intelligence. The AI-based platform, developed by our data scientists, constitutes the key working tool for business analysts, empowering them to discover deep insights and ideas from the marketing data.

  1. 1. INTRODUCTION

    Making Data-Driven Decisions to Grow Your Business

    1. REPORT DESCRIPTION
    2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY AND THE AI PLATFORM
    3. DATA-DRIVEN DECISIONS FOR YOUR BUSINESS
    4. GLOSSARY AND SPECIFIC TERMS

  2. 2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

    A Quick Overview of Market Performance

    1. KEY FINDINGS
    2. MARKET TRENDS This Chapter is Available Only for the Professional EditionPRO

  3. 3. MARKET OVERVIEW

    Understanding the Current State of The Market and its Prospects

    1. MARKET SIZE: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2024) AND FORECAST (2025–2035)
    2. MARKET STRUCTURE: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2024) AND FORECAST (2025–2035)
    3. TRADE BALANCE: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2024) AND FORECAST (2025–2035)
    4. PER CAPITA CONSUMPTION: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2024) AND FORECAST (2025–2035)
    5. MARKET FORECAST TO 2035

  4. 4. MOST PROMISING PRODUCTS FOR DIVERSIFICATION

    Finding New Products to Diversify Your Business

    1. TOP PRODUCTS TO DIVERSIFY YOUR BUSINESS
    2. BEST-SELLING PRODUCTS
    3. MOST CONSUMED PRODUCTS
    4. MOST TRADED PRODUCTS
    5. MOST PROFITABLE PRODUCTS FOR EXPORTS

  5. 5. MOST PROMISING SUPPLYING COUNTRIES

    Choosing the Best Countries to Establish Your Sustainable Supply Chain

    1. TOP COUNTRIES TO SOURCE YOUR PRODUCT
    2. TOP PRODUCING COUNTRIES
    3. COUNTRIES WITH TOP YIELDS
    4. TOP EXPORTING COUNTRIES
    5. LOW-COST EXPORTING COUNTRIES

  6. 6. MOST PROMISING OVERSEAS MARKETS

    Choosing the Best Countries to Boost Your Export

    1. TOP OVERSEAS MARKETS FOR EXPORTING YOUR PRODUCT
    2. TOP CONSUMING MARKETS
    3. UNSATURATED MARKETS
    4. TOP IMPORTING MARKETS
    5. MOST PROFITABLE MARKETS

  7. 7. PRODUCTION

    The Latest Trends and Insights into The Industry

    1. PRODUCTION VOLUME AND VALUE: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2024) AND FORECAST (2025–2035)

  8. 8. IMPORTS

    The Largest Import Supplying Countries

    1. IMPORTS: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2024) AND FORECAST (2025–2035)
    2. IMPORTS BY COUNTRY: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2024)
    3. IMPORT PRICES BY COUNTRY: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2024)

  9. 9. EXPORTS

    The Largest Destinations for Exports

    1. EXPORTS: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2024) AND FORECAST (2025–2035)
    2. EXPORTS BY COUNTRY: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2024)
    3. EXPORT PRICES BY COUNTRY: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2024)

  10. 10. PROFILES OF MAJOR PRODUCERS

    The Largest Producers on The Market and Their Profiles

  11. LIST OF TABLES

    1. Key Findings In 2024
    2. Market Volume, In Physical Terms: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    3. Market Value: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    4. Per Capita Consumption: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    5. Imports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2012-2024
    6. Imports, In Value Terms, By Country, 2012-2024
    7. Import Prices, By Country, 2012-2024
    8. Exports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2012-2024
    9. Exports, In Value Terms, By Country, 2012-2024
    10. Exports Prices, By Country, 2012-2024

  12. LIST OF FIGURES

    1. Market Volume, in Physical Terms: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    2. Market Value: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    3. Market Structure – Domestic Supply Vs. Imports, in Physical Terms: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    4. Market Structure – Domestic Supply Vs. Imports, in Value Terms: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    5. Trade Balance, in Physical Terms: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    6. Trade Balance, in Value Terms: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    7. Per Capita Consumption: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    8. Market Volume Forecast to 2035
    9. Market Value Forecast to 2035
    10. Market Size and Growth, by Product
    11. Average Per Capita Consumption, by Product
    12. Exports and Growth, by Product
    13. Export Prices and Growth, by Product
    14. Production Volume and Growth
    15. Yield and Growth
    16. Exports and Growth
    17. Export Prices and Growth
    18. Market Size and Growth
    19. Per Capita Consumption
    20. Imports and Growth
    21. Import Prices
    22. Production, in Physical Terms: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    23. Production, in Value Terms: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    24. Harvested Area: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    25. Yield: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    26. Imports, in Physical Terms: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    27. Imports, in Value Terms: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    28. Imports, in Physical Terms, by Country, 2024
    29. Imports, in Physical Terms, by Country, 2012-2024
    30. Imports, in Value Terms, by Country, 2012-2024
    31. Import Prices, by Country, 2012-2024
    32. Exports, in Physical Terms: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    33. Exports, in Value Terms: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    34. Exports, in Physical Terms, by Country, 2024
    35. Exports, in Physical Terms, by Country, 2012-2024
    36. Exports, in Value Terms, by Country, 2012-2024
    37. Export Prices, by Country, 2012-2024

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