The U.S. Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA/FAS) recently forecast production and trade for South African oranges and orange juice (OJ) in 2025–26.
ORANGES
South Africa’s 2025–26 orange production is forecast to increase by 1% from 2024–25, to 1,850 million metric tons (MMT).
The orange planted area is projected to increase by 2% in 2025–26, reaching 46,000 hectares. Valencias account for two-thirds of total orange area, with navels accounting for the other third.
USDA FAS forecasts that 2025–26 orange exports will increase by 4% from the prior year, to 1,450 MMT. South Africa exports oranges to more than 100 countries worldwide, but the European Union (EU) remains its largest export market, accounting for approximately 37% of exports. South Africa exports approximately 4% of its total orange production to the United States, primarily during the U.S. summer months.
Relatively small volumes of oranges are imported into South Africa in November and December to close supply gaps. Orange imports are forecast to increase to 7,000 metric tons (MT), up from 6,000 MT in 2024–25.
ORANGE JUICE
South African growers have traditionally produced oranges for the fresh export market. However, some growers, particularly those in regions prone to hailstorms and other weather-related quality issues, focus on supplying processing facilities.
USDA FAS forecasts that South African OJ production in 2025–26 will decline by 9%, to 36,700 MT. That reflects a decrease in orange deliveries for processing as growers are again expected to allocate more fruit to the export market.
OJ exports are projected to increase to 35,000 MT in 2025–26, from 22,400 MT in 2024–25. South Africa exports OJ mainly to countries in sub-Saharan Africa, including Eswatini, Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho and Zimbabwe. Europe is also an important market for South African orange juice. The United States is the sixth largest market.
OJ imports are forecast to decrease to 1,000 MT, from 1,500 MT the prior year.
See the full USDA FAS citrus report for South Africa here.
Source: USDA FAS
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