How South Africa's fruit industry plans to deal with US trade tariffs
A 30% tariff on key exports, including citrus, wine, sugar cane, and beef, will take effect on 1 August.
This will all but end the duty-free access South Africa enjoyed under the Africa Growth and Opportunities Act (AGOA).
While citrus exports may avoid major disruption this season, sectors like table grapes and stonefruit are facing a more immediate challenge.
With their peak export seasons fast approaching, producers need to act swiftly to mitigate potential losses.
South African fruit growers are hoping that late US talks might ease the trade tensions. In the meantime, exporters are being urged to diversify.
'We have to do everything we can to retain our position in the UK and Europe,' said Alwyn Dippenaar, Chairman of the South African Table Grape Industry.
According to Fruitnet , markets in Asia and the Middle East are now also high on the radar.
Despite recent difficulties in China for South African grape growers, renewed trade cooperation could offer a lifeline.
China's move to expand free trade to 53 African countries, including South Africa, may provide much-needed relief and improved competitiveness for local fruit exporters.
India, another key market, is also in focus. As such, a senior Indian delegation is expected to visit South Africa soon to fast-track a potential trade agreement.
High import tariffs in India have so far hindered some product categories. In response, the local industry is rolling out awareness campaigns for South African apples, pears, citrus, and avocados in the sub-continent.
A new campaign led by South African citrus growers meanwhile aims to reposition grapefruit as a vibrant summer fruit in Europe.
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
27 minutes ago
- The Citizen
Pretoria at a crossroads with the US
US tariffs and summit snubs mark a turning point for Pretoria, testing its sovereignty and foreign policy independence. Relations between Pretoria and Washington have once again plunged into a new historic low following a series of moves by US President Donald Trump. In a single sweep, Washington has imposed punitive 30% tariffs on South African steel, citrus and automotive exports. These duties take effect from tomorrow after the US failed to respond to South Africa's trade proposals. The tariff blow has escalated diplomatic tension, with the US expressing disdain for South Africa's broad-based black economic empowerment and land reform policies. In addition, Trump announced a boycott of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg in November and there has been an intensified criticism of Pretoria's legal action against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing the country of 'supporting genocide denial'. At the heart of this diplomatic crisis, it must be admitted that US reaction is motivated by South Africa's growing leadership within the Brics bloc – now expanded to include Iran, Ethiopia and Egypt – and its outspoken support for Palestine, including its ICJ case accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza. ALSO READ: US tariff an existential threat for a third of metals and engineering sector These positions have drawn fierce condemnation from the Trump administration and triggered a dramatic shift in US policy toward Pretoria. As much as the Trump administration seeks to shield American industries, these protectionist tariffs smell of political motivation and economic recklessness. They could cost thousands of South African jobs, disrupt key industrial supply chains and severely undermine efforts toward African industrialisation. With such consequences, it leaves one to believe that South Africa is being punished for its exercise of sovereign foreign policy. South Africa's foreign policy shift has been years in the making. There have been talks for de-dollarisation, reform of global institutions and solidarity among developing nations in an attempt to challenge this entrenched Western-led domination of the world. ALSO READ: As if US tariff is not enough, more bad news for South African exporters Therefore, it ought not to be surprising that its firm stance on Palestine, including the closure of its embassy in Israel and calls for sanctions, has drawn civil society praise and Western disapproval. Both Brics activism and pro-Palestinian diplomacy have made South Africa a target for ideological pressure from Washington. And not only is this diplomatic row having grave consequences on paper, but the 30% tariffs which affect over R50 billion in annual exports, also threatens Pretoria's continued participation in the African Growth and Opportunity Act – a US trade preference programme that has historically boosted African economies. This moment signifies more than a breakdown in bilateral relations. It exposes the balance of forces in global governance where rising powers challenge the hegemonic influence of the West. With Trump absent from the G20, the summit now ought to become a platform for global south leaders to resist US bullying and advocate for alternative visions of a new world order. ALSO READ: Beyond Trump's pointless pause As for Washington, the path of coercion is now proving unsustainable. Because by alienating democratic partners like South Africa, it undermines its long-term influence in Africa, especially taking the rise of Chinese and Russian engagements into consideration. However, Pretoria must not give up on engaging the US because, economically, a lot is at stake. But if South Africa is expected to forfeit its sovereignty, then this is the moment the country needs to look for other avenues that can ensure its survival without the US. This diplomatic standoff is not simply about trade disputes or summit politics. It raises deeper questions about sovereignty, justice and the rules-based system that will define international relations in the 21st century. A return to dialogue, mutual respect and principled engagement is not just desirable, it is imperative.
The Citizen
an hour ago
- The Citizen
Race Coast shakes up its tote betting platform
Cash Out and Crowdbetting coming soon after tie-up with Colossus. A 'Cash Out' tote betting option is to be introduced to South African racing by operator Race Coast, it was announced this week. Another innovation will be 'Crowdbetting' for exotic, or multi-leg tote bets. A launch date for these options was not announced. Race Coast has acquired the required technology by forming a partnership with UK-founded company Colossus, which runs co-mingled wagering on sports, racing and other games in various countries. Cash Out will be familiar to punters who also gamble on other sports. It gives the bettor a chance to take a profit – or a loss – before an event has been completed and settled. It allows for settlement in-running or mid-event and the nature and amount of Cash Out offers will vary with the live betting market. This type of activity was once known as 'laying off' a parlay or accumulator bet, with a bookmaker effectively buying a live Pick 6 or Jackpot ticket for an agreed amount before final legs were run. Crowdbetting is also known as syndicate betting, with various players teaming up to boost their chances of winning. It has long been done informally but has never been part of a tote offering. The deal with Colossus will also give TABgold customers immediate access to huge online sporting jackpot pools, said the media release. Dean Sawarjith, Race Coast KZN acting COO, commented: 'We need to innovate to keep our horse racing proposition relevant for today's younger audiences. We look forward to giving our customers access to the most flexible tote product in the world, where they can decide leg-by-leg how much of their bet to Cash Out. I'm particularly excited to enable our customers to create and join tickets via the Colossus Crowdbetting feature, driving customer engagement forward.' Paula Cara Farcas, Colossus Bets CEO, said: 'All tote operators must innovate if they wish to compete with a rapidly evolving market. Race Coast will become the first racing tote to utilise our technology in order to modernise their racing product.'
eNCA
an hour ago
- eNCA
Trump's tariffs on SA goods kick in
JOHANNESBURG - The 30 percent US tariffs on South African goods kick in this Thursday. President Donald Trump imposed duties on countries worldwide to balance what he calls 'trade deficits'. The duties will affect some of the 7.5 percent of products exported to the US. Copper, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors and critical minerals are excluded. Stainless steel scrap and energy and energy products are also exempted. But, there are concerns that the automobile and agriculture sectors will be hit hard. Government has outlined urgent interventions, setting up a support desk t to help exporters. It also says it will continue engaging the Trump administration to strike a deal.
