South Africa has moved ahead of Spain to claim the top spot as the world’s biggest citrus exporter by volume after exporting a record 2.9 million tonnes of citrus produce in 2025, the agriculture ministry announced.
The development signals a major transformation in the international citrus market, an industry Spain has traditionally led for many years, while also underscoring South Africa’s expanding role in global agribusiness.
Speaking on the achievement, Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen praised the country’s agricultural sector, pointing to rising export figures and adherence to global phytosanitary requirements.
“Surpassing a major citrus exporter like Spain, even slightly, is a remarkable accomplishment,” Steenhuisen stated on Thursday, May 14, 2026.
He explained that although South Africa now tops global citrus exports in terms of volume, nations such as China and Brazil still produce larger quantities overall since a significant portion of their harvests is consumed locally.
The minister added that weather-related difficulties affecting Spain contributed to the change in rankings, but emphasized that both countries still play supportive roles within global supply networks. Spain mainly provides citrus during the Northern Hemisphere season, whereas South Africa helps maintain supply during the Southern Hemisphere summer period.
According to Steenhuisen, authorities will keep exploring additional export destinations while strengthening trade facilities and logistics to maintain the sector’s momentum.
He stressed that expanding production must go hand in hand with stronger diplomatic engagement and improved infrastructure investment.
The accomplishment is likely to boost South Africa’s standing in major markets throughout Europe, Asia and the Middle East as worldwide appetite for fresh agricultural products continues to increase.