The Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa (CGA) has welcomed the United States’ decision to exempt South African citrus exports particularly oranges from import tariffs, describing it as a move that restores competitiveness and supports growth from the 2026 export season onwards.
While the 2025 season has already concluded, the exemption is expected to significantly benefit exports from April 2026. In the most recent season, South Africa exported around 4.3 million 15kg cartons of oranges to the US. The CGA said the decision strengthens South Africa’s position in an important market that offers further opportunities for export growth and local job creation. A 30% tariff on South African citrus imports had only come into effect in August 2025, towards the end of the export window, limiting its immediate impact as exporters accelerated shipments ahead of the deadline. According to the CGA, the exemption once again allows South African oranges to compete fairly in the US market.
CGA Chief Executive Officer Boitshoko Ntshabele said South Africa has long played a crucial role in supplying the US during its off-season. She noted, “When American growers are out of production, South African oranges help maintain category stability by ensuring access to affordable, quality fruit for US consumers.” In addition, CGA Chairperson and Citrusdal grower Gerrit van der Merwe said the announcement brings welcome relief to farming communities, particularly in citrus-producing regions. He added that growers had been deeply concerned about the future of their operations and local economies, and that the news has eased pressure across the valley.
However, the exemption does not apply to mandarins and other soft citrus varieties. Ntshabele urged the US authorities to reconsider, warning that selective tariff exemptions could distort the market. She said South African mandarins are highly popular in the US and that excluding them risks creating price increases, supply shortages and inflationary pressure for US consumers. Agbiz Chief Economist Wandile Sihlobo said ongoing discussions around broader tariff adjustments on food products are encouraging. He noted that the US accounts for about 4% of South Africa’s R233 billion agricultural, food and beverage exports, which include citrus, macadamia nuts, wine, table grapes and ostrich products. Sihlobo added that any reductions in import tariffs particularly if applied across suppliers would be highly beneficial for agricultural trade.
The Head of Information and Marketing at FNB Agriculture,Dawie Maree also welcomed the exemption but cautioned that the exclusion of soft citrus remains problematic. He reiterated, “South Africa’s citrus season is counter-cyclical to US production, meaning local exporters do not compete directly with American growers during their harvest period.” TLU SA General Manager Bennie van Zyl further supported the move, saying it would have a positive impact on many farmers and citrus producers across the country.
