The U.S. implemented a 12.5 per cent tariff on a range of South African imports on July 24. CGA market access liaison Jana Janse van Rensburg said citrus is the third-largest South African export by value under Agoa, making continued access to the arrangement relevant for the sector.
The U.S. accounts for around 5 per cent of South Africa’s citrus exports but remains a key destination for growers in the Western and Northern Cape. Only citrus grown in these provinces is permitted for export to the U.S. because of biosecurity requirements and citrus black spot restrictions affecting other provinces.
Janse van Rensburg said uncertainty around market access can affect investment decisions, including orchard expansion. “We need to protect our Agoa eligibility and maintain U.S. cold chain requirements, while continuing with diplomatic discussions to get the 12.5% tariff out of the way.”
South Africa’s citrus sector exports to 120 countries. The CGA said the industry is seeking to maintain established markets, including the U.S. and EU, while developing additional destinations.
“It’s a mainstay market for many producers in the Western and Northern Cape,” Janse van Rensburg said of the U.S. market. She added that predictable market access is important because growers make long-term investments and exporters negotiate multi-year supply arrangements.
The Agoa extension to 2028 is shorter than the 15-year period South Africa had sought, leaving the citrus sector monitoring future bilateral trade arrangements and tariff developments.
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