South Africa secures expanded citrus market access in India

South African citrus exporters have secured expanded market access to India following the approval of new fruit-fly cold-treatment protocols. This development follows nearly a decade of technical negotiations between South African and Indian authorities.

The new options provide exporters with greater logistical flexibility and are expected to improve the condition and quality of fruit upon arrival in India. Agriculture Minister Willie Aucamp noted that the breakthrough demonstrates how advanced technology allows farmers to overcome trade barriers.

While South Africa currently holds a small share of the Indian market—approximately 1.5 percent—the country’s counter-seasonal production offers a natural advantage when domestic Indian harvests are low. Despite this potential, exporters still face most-favoured-nation tariffs of 25–30 percent, prompting calls for further trade discussions between the Southern African Customs Union and India.