South Africa’s 2026 citrus export season to the United States is underway, with approximately 170 containers of easy peelers and Navel oranges expected to arrive at U.S. ports this month, according to Fruitnet.
Philadelphia will again serve as the primary entry point, with the conventional vessel program resuming after the Fourth of July. New this season, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) will make weekly calls in Savannah, Georgia, expanding distribution into the Southern U.S.
South African Citrus expects lower export volumes than last year, particularly for Navels, following a record 2025 season. Although flooding in May caused minor logistical disruptions in some growing regions, the Western Cape—the primary source of fruit for the U.S. market—was largely unaffected, and export schedules are expected to remain on track.
Meanwhile, South Africa’s fresh produce industry continues to voice concerns over port infrastructure. The Port of Cape Town was again ranked last among 400 global ports in the 2025 World Bank/S&P Global Container Port Performance Index. Industry groups estimate port inefficiencies cost fruit exporters approximately R4.25 billion during the most recent season. Cape Town handles about 80% of the country’s deciduous fruit exports and is a critical gateway for citrus shipments.
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