After nearly ten years of negotiations, new conditions for citrus exports to Vietnam have been approved. India has approved the inclusion of additional processing options for fresh citrus fruits from South Africa.
In a joint statement, the Department of Agriculture and the Citrus Growers Association (CGA) noted that the improved export conditions represent a significant step forward for the industry. Previously, South Africa already supplied citrus to India using various methods of pest control against fruit flies. The addition of new cold treatment options against fruit flies will enhance the quality of the fruit in the market and provide important logistical flexibility.
Minister of Agriculture Willie Aukamp welcomed this development, emphasizing that it demonstrates how advanced technologies enable South African farmers to overcome barriers, allowing other countries to enjoy high-quality produce.
India presents enormous potential for South African citrus, given its population of approximately 1.47 billion people and its status as one of the world's largest and fastest-growing economies. Nevertheless, India's share in South Africa's exports remains very small, opening up exceptional opportunities for growth.
The Department and CGA stated that India itself is one of the world's leading producers of citrus, and consumers are already familiar with this category of products. South Africa's seasonal production allows it to supplement domestic supply, especially against the backdrop of a growing middle class, increasing health-oriented consumption, and rising demand for mandarin-type citrus.
The CEO of CGA, Dr. Boitsheko Ntshabele, expressed gratitude to the Department of Agriculture and Citrus Research International for their continuous technical engagement with Indian authorities, which made the implementation of new processing options possible. He noted that this underscores the importance of sustainable public-private partnerships for improving technical market access conditions. However, according to Ntshabele, the Most Favoured Nation tariffs, currently around 25–30%, continue to put South African citrus at a disadvantage compared to Southern Hemisphere competitors who benefit from preferential tariff agreements.
He added that they hope to work with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition on the critical task of removing these tariff barriers and enhancing the competitiveness of South African citrus in the Indian market in the future. CGA believes that combining improved phytosanitary market access with more competitive tariff conditions is key to increasing South Africa's presence in India and supporting the long-term sustainability, growth, and diversification of the South African citrus industry.