The production of oranges in South Africa is estimated to grow by 6% to 1.6 million metric tons (MMT) in 2021–22, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA/FAS) recently reported.
The area planted with oranges is expected to continue its stable growth rate, expanding by 2% to 47,750 hectares in 2021–22. Limpopo province is the leading growing region for oranges, accounting for 48% of total area, followed by the Eastern Cape (23%) and Western Cape (14%) provinces.
Valencias account for two-thirds of total orange area; Navels account for the other third.
FRESH ORANGES
Based on increased production, local consumption of oranges is projected to grow marginally to 85,000 metric tons (MT) in 2021–22. Local consumption a year earlier was estimated at 82,000 MT.
South Africa prioritizes supplying export markets, and surplus oranges or those that do not meet export standards are supplied to the fresh domestic and processed markets.
South Africa exports oranges to more than 100 countries. The export of
oranges is estimated to grow by 5% in 2021–22 to a record level of 1.36 MMT. The spike in demand due to the benefits of vitamin C in boosting immunity against COVID-19 is helping drive the growth in exports.
The European Union remains South Africa’s largest export market for oranges, accounting for 40% of total orange exports.
Exports of oranges to the United States increased to a record of 53,121 MT in 2019–20 but fell back slightly to 47,500 MT in 2020–21 due to logistical challenges faced by the industry.
The import of oranges is estimated to remain flat at about 3,000 MT in 2021–22. Relatively small volumes of oranges are usually imported into South Africa in November and December to close supply gaps and satisfy year-end demand.
ORANGE JUICE
The production of orange juice (OJ) is estimated to rise by 16% to 28,440 MT in 2021–22. Concentrated OJ accounts for at least 90% of total OJ produced in South Africa.
Domestic consumption of OJ will increase to 7,000 MT in 2021–22,
up from 6,500 MT in 2020–21.
Exports of OJ are expected to grow by 13% to 25,000 MT. Imports of OJ will remain flat at 2,000 MT in 2021–22. Zimbabwe is the main supplier of OJ to South Africa.
See the full USDA/FAS report on citrus in South Africa.
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service
Share this Post
Sponsored Content