Tariffs
1Min
South Africa
Nov 16, 2025
The Citrus Growers Association has welcomed the decision by the United States to exempt South African oranges from import tariffs, saying it will support exports and protect jobs in the 2026 season. South African officials, led by Minister Parks Tau, held discussions with the United States to address the impact of the tariffs.
The Citrus Growers Association of Southern Africa has welcomed the decision by authorities in the United States to exempt South African oranges from import tariffs. The association said the exemption will support the 2026 season and open opportunities for growth in export volumes and jobs in the sector.
South Africa shipped more than four million cartons of oranges to the United States in the last season. The association said the new exemption will make the fruit competitive again in the United States market when the new export season begins in April next year. The association added that the verdict is important because the United States is a key market where demand for imported citrus increases when local growers are out of season.
The thirty percent tariff on South African citrus was introduced in August this year. The introduction came late in the season so it had a limited effect on exports. Growers responded by increasing shipments to meet the deadline before the tariff came into force.
Citrus Growers Association chief executive Dr Boitshoko Ntshabele said South Africa has supplied citrus to the United States for many years and has helped maintain constant supply during the United States summer period.
Dr Ntshabele said: “South Africa has been a partner to the United States in citrus supply for many years. 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.”
Dr Ntshabele said that supply stability protects the United States industry from shocks and ensures that customers continue to buy citrus. The chairperson of the Citrus Growers Association Gerrit van der Merwe said the removal of the tariff brings relief to growers.
Van der Merwe said “This announcement takes some pressure off our community. There will be some big smiles on the farm come Monday morning. We have been deeply concerned about the future of our valley for many months.”
The association said mandarins are still subject to tariffs. Dr Ntshabele said exporters want the United States to extend the exemption to mandarins because demand for the fruit is high and the product follows the same supply chain pattern as oranges. He said applying tariffs to mandarins may lead to shortages and price increases in the United States.
There has been strong demand for South African citrus in the United States over several years. Export figures have almost doubled since 2017. This growth has made tariff decisions important for the economic interests of the South African citrus sector.
The tariff exemption follows months of discussions between the governments of South Africa and the United States. Earlier in the year South African officials expressed concern about the effect of the tariffs on growers and regional economies.
The Department of Trade Industry and Competition said the tariff was introduced without taking into account the long standing agricultural partnership between the two countries.
South African trade officials led by Minister Parks Tau held talks with United States counterparts to highlight the value of the citrus trade and the effect of the tariff on farmers and workers. The association hopes that the final outcome of these discussions will consider all citrus varieties.
