South Africa: Citrus Semi-annual
Link to report:
The production of South African citrus, mainly soft citrus, lemons and limes is expected to continue its strong growth in the 2019/20 Marketing Year (MY), based on the increase in area planted, improved yields, high level of new-plantings coming into full production, and the minimal impact of COVID-19 on labor and input supply. Citrus exports have seen a surge in the 2019/20 MY, mainly due to the associated health benefits of Vitamin C in boosting immunity against COVID-19. However, the impact of COVID-19 on consumer incomes, constraints on shipping lines and containers, and port restrictions remains a concern for South African exports if the pandemic worsens. Duty free exports of citrus to the United States under the African Growth Opportunity Act (AGOA) are expected to continue their strong annual growth, as the United States is still considered a premium market.