South Africa’s Department of Agriculture and the Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa (CGA) announced the amendment of the plant health protocol governing the export of South African citrus to China. The amended protocol introduces additional phytosanitary pest risk mitigation treatment options, reflecting a science-based and risk-managed approach to plant health compliance.
The outcome, based on scientific outputs from Citrus Research International (CRI), is the result of collaborative engagement between South African and Chinese authorities.
The inclusion of improved treatment options is anticipated to increase the quality of fruit reaching Chinese consumers. It is also expected to reduce costs and improve export efficiencies for South African producers and exporters. In doing so, the amendment is set to significantly boost South Africa’s citrus presence in China.
South African citrus exports to China and Hong Kong accounted for approximately 11.5 million cartons (6%) of total citrus exports in 2025. There is significant opportunity to expand this share, supported by strong consumer demand and complementary seasonal supply.
South Africa’s citrus industry provides counter-seasonal supply to the Chinese market, keeping Chinese consumers within the category year-round.
“South African citrus has excellent quality and complements China’s domestic citrus production due to South African counter-seasonal supply,” Chinese Ambassador Wu Peng said.
In 2025, South Africa was the second-largest citrus exporter globally. Export earnings exceeded U.S. $2 billion for the first time, reaching an estimated $2.47 billion in revenue.
The South African citrus industry supports approximately 140,000 jobs at the farm and packinghouse level. Citrus forms the economic heart of many rural communities across the country.
Source: Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa
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