• Home
  • About us
  • Software Solutions
    • PALFARM
    • PALPACK
    • PALSTORE
    • PALPORT
    • PALBROKER
    • PALINFO
  • Services
  • News
  • Contact
  • Login
    • Helpdesk
    • Downloads
Facebook Instagram Linkedin
  • Home
  • About us
  • Software Solutions
    • PALFARM
    • PALPACK
    • PALSTORE
    • PALPORT
    • PALBROKER
    • PALINFO
  • Services
  • News
  • Contact
  • Login
    • Helpdesk
    • Downloads
Facebook Instagram Linkedin

South Africa-EU citrus resolution gaining momentum

15 August 2024 /Posted byherodigital

Long-running citrus dispute could be resolved in the next year, if all goes well

The final process to resolve the dispute between South Africa and the European Union regarding citrus black spot (CBS) and false codling moth (FCM) seems to be gathering momentum.

Although sources have admitted that it could take between 12-16 months for a final solution is reached, recent developments suggest that the process is now moving forwards at pace.

At the end of July, South Africa requested the establishment of two panels at a meeting of the Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) of the World Trade Organization (WTO), to examine what, in South Africa’s view, are unscientific and discriminatory measures placed on citrus imported from South Africa by the EU.

At the same time, it was revealed that a significant number of countries have now taken sides, with several significant world players joining South Africa in the dispute.

Unconfirmed reports have said the US, China, India, Russia, Argentina, Uruguay, and African citrus producers such as Zimbabwe and Eswatini, have sided with South Africa.

Sources also said there was now great pressure for a compromise to be reached – indicating that if the EU measures were allowed to stand, it could decimate the trade of some African countries with the EU because it would be forced to impose the same measures on them.

“It could bring these countries to their knees,” one source said.

The measures introduced two years ago have not removed the risk for European producers in any way, sources said.

“Interceptions are really at a minimal and that suggests that South Africa’s systems approach is working extremely well.”

There are also unconfirmed reports that in recent days several strikes or complaints against South African consignments arriving in Europe have been withdraw.

The initial requests for the establishment of the WTO panels were made on 24 June and were not accepted by the EU. In line with the WTO Dispute Settlement Understanding, the second panel requests made on 26 July were automatically approved.

These WTO dispute settlement steps were taken to address the EU’s regulations on CBS and FCM, regulations that are being challenged by the South African government to protect the livelihoods of tens of thousands of people in the local citrus industry.

Currently, South African citrus growers have said they are spending billions of rands per year to comply with CBS and FCM measures that they claim are unscientific and unnecessarily restrictive, noting that the country already boasts an effective risk management system that ensures safe citrus exports.

South Africa’s Citrus Growers’ Association (CGA) said that emerging citrus growers were hit especially hard by such measures.

“The measures at issue affect not only South Africa but also other southern African countries that depend on SA’s infrastructure for their citrus fruit export,” the CGA added.

Reference Link, Fruitnet News

Share Post
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • VK
  • Pinterest
  • Mail to friend
  • Linkedin
  • Whatsapp
  • Skype
Further falls for South Africa...
Westfalia extends its avocado ...

Related posts

Read more

South African citrus industry faces uncertain future as US trade tariff pause nears expiration next week

As the new US trade tariff deadline looms, citrus growers in South Africa are holding their breath over what will happen during the next week Continue reading
Read more

South African raisin industry achieves record-breaking 100,000 tonne harvest despite weather challenges

Industry body Raisins SA reports landmark production figure of 100,542 tonnes, with Thompson variety leading the way at 58,000 tonnes, as producers benefit from new... Continue reading
Read more

Study backs port privatisation in South Africa

Calls for privatisation in South African ports grow, with a leading supply chain management company publishing a study backing the move. Continue reading
Read more

Transnet lifeline a positive move for South Africa’s produce industry

New government guarantee of R51bn will provide opportunities for public and private sector partnerships. Continue reading
Read more

Success of Flash Gala in India gets South African industry talking

South African sources say trade dynamics in India have created new opportunities for South African apples and pears. Continue reading

Comments are closed

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Recent Popular

South African citrus industry faces uncertain future ...

1 July 2025 0

South African raisin industry achieves record-breaking 100,000 ...

1 July 2025 0

Study backs port privatisation in South Africa

17 June 2025 0

Transnet lifeline a positive move for South ...

17 June 2025 0

Success of Flash Gala in India gets ...

17 June 2025 0

LOVEREN VAN ZYL BOERDERY’S LONGSTANDING PARTNERSHIP WITH ...

20 July 2022 0

South African table grape industry ready to ...

20 October 2022 0

“South Africa starts catching up after weeks ...

9 September 2022 0

Fresh produce probe in South Africa

2 March 2023 0

End of the Sharon fruit dream in ...

26 February 2024 0

Connect with us

Facebook Instagram Linkedin

Instagram

Useful Links

    • Privacy Policy

    • Terms of use

    • Support Services Policy

    • Email Disclaimer

    • PAI Act Manual

    • Covid-19

Subscribe Now

Subscribe us and get latest news  and updates to your inbox directly.

* Don’t worry, we don’t spam.

Contact Info.

The Vineyards Office Estate, Farm 3, Manor House, 99 Jip De Jager Drive, De Bron, Cape Town. South Africa
+27 (0)21 818 4200
info@paltrack.co.za
Mon – Fri: 8am to 5pm

Copyright © 2024 Paltrack. Designed by Hero Digital

Facebook Instagram Linkedin
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.Ok