By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa (CGA) welcomed the new United States (US) tariff exemptions ahead of the 2026 season, which starts around April.
The US President Donald Trump has exempted a range of food products including oranges, bananas and tropical fruits from the 30% import tariffs he imposed on more than 90 countries.
Trump slapped tariffs on most countries including South Africa in April 2025.
The new exemption covers a range of tropical products that are often imported to the United States, including coffee, tea, mangoes, avocados, coconuts, pineapples, oranges, cocoa, macadamia nuts and spices such as nutmeg, according to an executive order.
CEO, Dr Boitshoko Ntshabele says the exemption once again makes South African oranges competitive in the US market, a market that holds opportunities for increased exports and local job creation.
He said the 30% US tariffs on South African imports only came into effect in August, towards the end of the season, and therefore had a limited impact on citrus exports to the US, especially because growers were able to increase and fast-track shipments to the US market before the tariff deadline.
“South Africa has been a partner to the US in citrus supply for many years. In their summer, when their own growers are out of season, we supply them with quality citrus. This keeps consumers in the category, ensuring stability and access to affordable imported fruit”, he said.
There is a marked appetite for South African citrus in the US. Since 2017, citrus exports to the US from South Africa have almost doubled.
In 2024, citrus exports from South Africa to the United States amounted to approximately R1.8 billion.
This is 5.4% of South Africa’s total citrus exports. For the Western Cape citrus-producing area, the only area with access to US markets, the share of total exports to the United States amounted to around 20% for the same period.
South Africa’s primary exporting months to the US run from July to October, with oranges and mandarins being the main citrus products destined for export.