Just three years ago, South Africa’s citrus exports hung in the balance. Yet today, South Africa has officially become the world’s largest citrus exporter by volume after exporting 2.9 million tons of citrus in 2025 and overtaking long-time leader Spain.

Ships carrying fruit to Europe faced uncertainty, exporters warned of rising costs and industry leaders feared that years of growth could be slowed by a dispute over new import rules. At the centre of the debate was a tiny pest called the false codling moth, an insect viewed as a major agricultural risk in Europe.

For an industry supporting farms, packhouses, transport businesses and thousands of rural livelihoods, the stakes stretched far beyond.

Today, South Africa finds itself in a very different position and now enjoys top position in the world for its citrus exports.

That achievement tells a larger story than rankings alone.

The battle that nearly changed the industry

In 2022, the European Union introduced stricter cold treatment rules for South African orange exports. Fruit destined for Europe had to be kept at temperatures of 2°C or lower for 25 days before entering the market.

European authorities said the measures were designed to reduce the risk of false codling moth entering the region. South African producers argued the requirements added significant pressure to an industry already operating under strict plant health standards.

Industry groups warned that growers would need to invest heavily in additional cold storage systems and logistics capacity. The sector also argued that the costs threatened jobs and competitiveness.

The dispute eventually moved to the World Trade Organization after South Africa challenged aspects of the measures.

For ordinary South Africans, this was never simply a trade story. Citrus supports approximately 140,000 direct jobs and many more through supply chains linked to farming, transport and exports. Pressure on exports can ripple through entire towns and rural economies.

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From uncertainty to rebound

The response from the industry became a story of adaptation.

Growers invested in compliance systems, strengthened export processes and expanded relationships with markets beyond Europe. Export diversification increasingly became part of the strategy.

South Africa also pursued stronger trade ties elsewhere. Earlier this year, amended export protocols with China opened pathways expected to improve efficiencies for exporters entering that market.

At the same time, global conditions shifted. Spain experienced climate-related pressures that affected agricultural output, creating a different export landscape.

Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen said surpassing Spain marked an important milestone.

“To overtake a citrus export giant like Spain, even by a small margin, is no easy feat,” he said in a statement.

More than fruit cartons

For many South Africans, export rankings may feel distant. Yet citrus reaches far beyond farms.

The Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa estimates Southern Africa exported approximately 204 million cartons during 2025, with South Africa contributing around 193 million cartons.

The industry supports livelihoods across farming communities and keeps a large ecosystem of businesses moving.

Three years ago, many within the sector worried about whether rising trade barriers could stall momentum. Today, South Africa stands at the top of global export rankings after navigating one of its most difficult periods.