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The Russian invasion of Ukraine has led to fruit destined for Russia from SA being blocked, as well as delays in fruit getting to market, and further increases in input costs for growers and exporters.
In light of this, the Citrus Growers' Association of Southern Africa (CGA) is working closely with stakeholders across the citrus value chain.
The major European ports used by the South African fresh produce industry are heavily congested. This results in some fresh fruit from South Africa remaining in transit for up to 90 days – when it usually takes around 24 days. "Early shipments of lemons destined for the Russian market have been impacted. Other varietals such as grapefruit and soft citrus [could] also be impacted," CGA CEO Justin Chadwick said on Thursday.
"Morocco, Turkey and Egypt all export significant quantities of citrus to Russia. The conflict has resulted in the diversion of fruit to other markets. These markets could suffer from an oversupply and a build-up of stock, which could impact early-season South African supplies."
The depreciation in the rouble will also make imported fruit more expensive, while payments could be difficult owing to restrictions on money flows, increasing the risk of exporting to Russia.
The CGA has called on government to redouble its negotiations with trading partners.
The local citrus industry sustains over 120 000 jobs and generates R30 billion in export revenue for the country, says Chadwick.
The Russian market accounts for approximately 7% to 10% of total South African citrus exports annually, with 11.2 million 15kg cartons of fruit having been exported to Russia in 2021.
