Orange production in South Africa is expected to increase by 2%, to 1.65 million metric tons, in the 2020-21 marketing year. This production estimate was reported in June by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA/FAS).
The area in South Africa planted with oranges is estimated to grow by 3%, to 46,000 hectares. Increases in the amount of land planted to seedless orange varieties and late-maturing varieties will be partially offset by the industry’s shift from orange production to soft citrus (tangerines/mandarins) in the Western Cape and Limpopo growing regions.
USDA/FAS estimated that South Africa’s consumption of oranges will increase by 3% to 82,000 metric tons. The rise in production and increase in demand associated with citrus’ perceived health benefits in the face of COVID-19 will aid the consumption increase. Fresh oranges are the most popular citrus consumed in the country.
Orange exports are estimated to rise by 3% to 1.29 million metric tons. The growth in exports and citrus production led to the world’s largest specialized reefer vessel, the Cool Eagle, being used in South Africa this year.
The European Union remains South Africa’s largest export market for oranges, taking 44% of the exports. Exports to Asia and the Middle East have grown steadily over the years.
Exports to the United States are expected to continue based on the duty-free access under the African Growth and Opportunity Act. However, a gradual shift from oranges to easy peelers and soft citrus exports is expected over time. South African farmers supplying the U.S. market have been replanting their orchards from oranges to soft citrus and new orange varieties. Exports to the U.S. decreased in 2019, but increased by 71% in 2020, to 53,121 metric tons.
South African import of oranges is estimated to remain flat at about 2,000 metric tons in 2020-21.
See the full USDA/FAS report on South Africa.
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service
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