South African citrus exporters will benefit from improved market access to India following approval of new cold treatment options for fresh fruit after nearly nine years of negotiations.

The Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa (CGA) and the Department of Agriculture announced that India has approved additional fruit fly cold treatment protocols, which will improve the quality of fruit in the market and add logistical flexibility.

South Africa already exports citrus to India using various fruit-fly treatment methods.

Technology enables market access

Agriculture Minister Willie Aucamp welcomed the development, saying it shows how advanced technology enables South African farmers to push barriers and allow other countries to enjoy the country’s high-quality produce.

With a population of approximately 1,47 billion people and one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing economies, India presents significant growth potential for South African citrus exporters.

India’s share of exports from South Africa remains very small, presenting an opportunity for growth.

Counter-seasonal advantage

India is 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.

Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa chief executive, Dr Boitshoko Ntshabele, commended the Department of Agriculture and Citrus Research International for their continued technical engagement with Indian authorities.

“This demonstrates the importance of sustained public-private partnership in improving technical conditions for accessing markets,” Ntshabele said.

Tariff barriers remain

He said attention should now shift towards improving the commercial conditions under which South African citrus enters the Indian market.

Most-favoured-nation tariffs of approximately 25% to 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,” Ntshabele said.

The CGA said that with positive developments in the Southern African Customs Union-India Preferential Trade Agreement process, continued momentum towards improved preferential access will help unlock India’s market potential and support the long-term sustainability and diversification of the South African citrus industry.

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