Southern African citrus exporters could benefit “significantly” from Britain’s decision to exit the European Union, according to Justin Chadwick, CEO of the Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa (CGA).
“An independent UK is likely to introduce its own plant health regulations – or at least remove or rescind those regulations that have no impact on the UK– making it easier to comply with than present European Union (EU) regulations and significantly boost exports for the southern African citrus industry,” said Chadwick.
Southern Africa supplied a large chunk of the UK’s citrus needs – including 36% of grapefruit, 27% of its oranges, 19% of soft citrus, and 11% of lemons – with the UK taking about 10% of the region’s total citrus exports, he said.
“Brexit should see a normalisation of citrus trade between southern Africa and the UK, unencumbered by protectionism, tariffs and technical barriers to trade,” said Chadwick.
