AGOA Extension
South Africa’s citrus industry welcomed the one-year extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), but industry leaders say it will not significantly change exports to the U.S. The Citrus Growers’ Association (CGA) noted that existing U.S. tariffs override AGOA benefits for most citrus.
Oranges were granted an exemption from the 30% U.S. tariff in November, allowing duty-free entry and providing relief for growers in the Western and Northern Cape. Mandarins were not included and remain subject to the 30% tariff, which the CGA expects will hurt growers during the 2026 season and could tighten U.S. supply and raise prices.
Industry leaders said the short-term renewal adds uncertainty and called for a stable, long-term trade agreement with the U.S.
USDA Reports Flood Impacts on Citrus
A February 9 USDA Foreign Agricultural Service report found that severe flooding in Mpumalanga and Limpopo has disrupted citrus operations at the start of the 2026 harvest.
Rainfall exceeded 100-year flood levels in parts of Limpopo, damaging roads and bridges and delaying early lemon exports. Saturated orchards are slowing harvest, increasing the risk of over-mature lemons and potential mandarin quality issues. Wet conditions are also limiting citrus black spot (CBS) spraying, raising concerns for EU market access.
Although Limpopo and Mpumalanga represent nearly half of South Africa’s citrus area, the USDA noted these regions are not eligible to export to the U.S., as shipments are limited to CBS-free provinces.
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