Citrus growers exported 201 million cartons during the 2026 season, down from 204 million cartons in 2025, according to the Citrus Growers' Association of Southern Africa (CGA).
South Africa is the world's second-largest citrus exporter by value, after Spain, and citrus is the country's largest agricultural export. The sector generated R44.9bn ($2.7bn) in export earnings in 2025.
The Middle East, which typically accounts for around 20% of South Africa's citrus exports, was among the markets affected by shipping disruption.
Exporters faced container shortages and difficulties accessing the region, with shipments to key markets such as Iraq and Saudi Arabia often requiring longer shipping routes, the CGA said.
The disruption added pressure to exporters seeking to maintain deliveries to established international markets during the season.
Production was also affected by adverse weather. Flooding across the Western and Eastern Cape damaged and destroyed orchards in key citrus-producing regions, further contributing to the challenges facing growers.
The industry is also preparing for the impact of South Africa's exclusion from the United States' African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa), which ends duty-free access to the US market.
The US accounts for approximately 5% of South Africa's citrus exports, making the loss of preferential access another concern for exporters as they navigate changing trade conditions.
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