Strong citrus exports expected despite port woes
The country's citrus growers say they are expecting a strong export season in April, with a healthy supply of fruit to meet global demand.
The Citrus Growers' Association said indications are that there should be enough products to meet the demand across all markets over the next five years.
Oranges, including the Navel and Valencia varieties, are set for an increase compared to last year.
The association's Boitshoko Ntshabele said grapefruit exports would also see a 6% hike, translating into 13.5 million 17kg cartons, with exports peaking over the next two months.
Ntshabele said, however, there have been some concerns about operations at the ports.
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"As the 2025 season kicks off, our biggest concern is logistics. The CGA is grateful for progress made by Transnet in terms of equipment acquisitions at the ports.
"However, the long-term way to achieve the needed efficiency at our ports is through the big structural change that only public sector participation can bring."
Navel exports are expected to go up by 5% to 26.1 million 15kg cartons.
Valencia is set to reach to 52 million 15-kilogram cartons.
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