SA citrus exporters score breakthrough in India, but tariffs remain a major hurdle

South African citrus exporters have secured a significant milestone in the Indian market, thanks to the approval of new cold-treatment options for fresh citrus. After nearly a decade of negotiations, this development will provide exporters with greater flexibility and potentially enhance the quality of fruit reaching the Indian market.

Agricultural Minister Willie Aucamp hailed the achievement, highlighting how technology aids farmers in surmounting obstacles and accessing global markets. Aucamp emphasized that the progress would enable South African farmers to push boundaries and enable other nations to benefit from the country's premium agricultural produce.

India, with its population of 1.47 billion people and status as a rapidly growing economy, represents a potentially crucial market for South African citrus. Boitshoko Ntshabele, CEO of the Citrus Growers' Association of Southern Africa (CGA), stressed the need to shift focus towards improving commercial conditions for South African citrus exports to India.

Ntshabele noted that tariffs ranging from 25% to 30% continue to disadvantage South African citrus compared to competitors from the Southern Hemisphere that enjoy preferential trade arrangements with India.

The Department of Agriculture and Citrus Research International were instrumental in facilitating the new treatment options through their ongoing technical collaboration with Indian authorities. This collaboration underscores the significance of sustained public-private partnerships in enhancing technical conditions for market access.

Ntshabele expressed optimism about working with the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition to tackle the critical issue of tariff barriers and bolster the competitiveness of South African citrus in the Indian market.