Citrus exports from Africa dominate in world trade, with South Africa exporting about 25% of the world’s oranges and a third of the world’s grapefruit, according to the latest ‘Citrus: World Market and Trade’ report published by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Egypt accounted for about a third of the world’s orange exports, which meant that Africa accounted for over 50% of the world’s total orange exports, said Citrus Growers’ Association, CEO Justin Chadwick.
The USDA report pointed out that South Africa’s orange production was expected to rise 2% to 1.4 million tons this year with exports forecast at a record 1.2 million tons. The European Union and Russia remain top markets for South African oranges.
South Africa’s grapefruit production is expected to rise 9% to 400 000 tons. Exports are forecast at a new record with the higher supplies.
However, Chadwick cautioned that export volumes would be impacted by the drought in the Western Cape and parts of the Eastern Cape.
The USDA’s global breakdown of orange exports:
