After nearly a decade of negotiations, newly approved export conditions for citrus to India have been established. India has approved the inclusion of additional treatment options for fresh citrus fruit from South Africa.
In a joint statement, the department of agriculture and Citrus Growers’ Association (CGA) said the improved export conditions are a significant development for the industry.
South Africa already exports citrus to India with various fruit fly treatments. The additional fruit fly cold-treatment options will improve fruit quality in the market and add important logistical flexibility.
Unlocking India’s massive market potential
Minister of agriculture Willie Aucamp welcomed the development and said it indicates how advanced technology enables South African farmers to push barriers, so other countries enjoy its high-quality produce.
With a population of approximately 1.47 billion and one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing economies, India represents significant potential for South African citrus. Despite this, India’s share of South Africa’s exports is very small and thus presents an exceptional growth opportunity.
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“India is itself one of the world’s largest citrus producers, with consumers already familiar with the product category. South Africa’s counter-seasonal production provides an opportunity to complement domestic supply, particularly as the middle class expands, health-conscious consumption grows and demand for mandarin-type citrus increases,” the department and CGA stated.
The chief executive officer of CGA, Dr Boitshoko Ntshabele, said special recognition should be given to the department of agriculture and Citrus Research International for their continued technical engagement with Indian authorities, which made the new treatment options possible.
“This demonstrates the importance of sustained public-private partnership in improving technical conditions for accessing markets,” he said, emphasising that attention should now shift towards improving the commercial conditions under which South African citrus enters the Indian market.
According to Ntshabele, the most-favoured-nation tariffs of approximately 25-30% continue to place South African citrus at a disadvantage compared with Southern Hemisphere competitors benefiting from preferential tariff arrangements.
“We look forward to working with the department of trade, industry and competition on the critical task of addressing these tariff barriers and improving the competitiveness of South African citrus in the Indian market going forward,” he said.
With positive developments in the SACU–India Preferential Trade Agreement process, continued momentum towards improved preferential access will help unlock India’s great market potential and support the long-term sustainability and diversification of the South African citrus industry.
“The CGA sees combining improved phytosanitary market access with more competitive tariff conditions as being key to growing South Africa’s presence in India and supporting the long-term sustainability, growth and diversification of the South African citrus industry,” the CGA said.
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