The Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa (CGA) welcomed new U.S. tariff exemptions that include oranges. It stated that the new exemption is great news for the 2026 season, which starts around April. According to CGA, the exemption once again makes South African oranges competitive in the U.S. market, which holds opportunities for increased exports and local job creation.
The 30% U.S. tariff on South African imports only came into effect in August, toward the end of South Africa’s 2025 season. It therefore had a limited impact on citrus exports to the United States, especially because growers were able to increase and fast-track U.S. shipments before the tariff went into effect.
SUPPLY STABILITY
“South Africa has been a partner to the U.S. in citrus supply for many years,” said Boitshoko Ntshabele, CGA chief executive officer. “In their summer, when their own growers are out of season, we supply them with quality citrus. This keeps consumers in the category, ensuring stability and access to affordable imported fruit.”
“Supply steadiness is not a luxury, it is a vital hedge against volatility for the American citrus industry and an example of how global trade benefits everyday American consumers,” added Gerrit van der Merwe, chair of the CGA and a citrus grower in Citrusdal in the Western Cape. “This announcement takes some pressure off our community. We have been deeply concerned about the future of our valley for many months.”
TARIFF STILL ON OTHER CITRUS
“Mandarin (soft citrus) varieties are, however, not exempt from tariffs,” Ntshabele noted. “Our mandarins are popular in the U.S. The U.S. should consider extending the current exemption to include mandarins and other citrus varieties because they share similar market dynamics and supply chain vulnerabilities.”
The CGA stated that applying tariffs to mandarins risks creating price spikes, supply shortages and inflationary pressures. Since 2017, citrus exports to the United States from South Africa have almost doubled, the CGA noted.
Ntshabele concluded: “We hope the trade negotiations currently taking place between South Africa and the U.S. will take the immense value of all South African citrus varieties to the American consumer into account.”
Source: CGA
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