South African Citrus Exports Slip as Iran War Disrupts Key Shipping Routes
South African Citrus Exports Slip as Iran War Disrupts Key Shipping Routes. South Africa’s citrus exports declined by 1.5% during the 2026 season, as shipping disruptions linked to the US-Israeli war with Iran and adverse weather conditions affected the industry’s ability to reach international markets.
The Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa (CGA) reported that growers exported 201 million cartons during the season, compared with 204 million cartons in 2025.
South Africa is the world’s second-largest citrus exporter by value, after Spain, and citrus remains the country’s largest agricultural export. The sector generated R44.9 billion ($2.7 billion) in export earnings in 2025.
One of the main challenges during the 2026 season was disruption to shipping routes serving the Middle East, a region that typically accounts for approximately 20% of South Africa’s citrus exports.
According to the CGA, exporters experienced container shortages and difficulties accessing markets in the region. Deliveries to key destinations, including Iraq and Saudi Arabia, often required longer shipping routes, adding pressure to export operations.
Weather conditions also affected production. Flooding in the Western and Eastern Cape damaged and destroyed orchards in important citrus-growing areas, contributing to the difficulties experienced by the industry.
Beyond the immediate shipping and production challenges, South African citrus exporters are also preparing for changes in access to the United States market.
South Africa’s exclusion from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) means the country will lose the duty-free trade benefits previously available under the programme.
The United States accounts for approximately 5% of South Africa’s citrus exports, making the loss of preferential access another consideration for the sector.
The combination of disrupted shipping routes, weather-related damage and changing trade arrangements presents challenges for an industry that generated billions of rand in export earnings during the previous season.
