South Africa concerned about threat to major fruit market

The invasion of Ukraine and its consequences will create problems for South African producers because Russia is an important market for fruit.

 

Various fruit exports from South Africa are still on their way to the Russian market, as they were shipped before the conflict began. With the sanctions imposed by Western countries, South African fruit exporters are wondering if they will be able to be paid by Russia.

 

In South Africa, the deciduous fruit sector (pears, apples, peaches, nectarines, apricots, plums, grapes) annually exports about 5.5 million boxes of fruit to Russia. The country exports about 8% of its fresh fruit to Russia, according to Justin Chadwick, CEO of CGA (Citrus Growers Association).

 

Russia is an important market for South African exports which have increased in recent years. In the 2021 season Russia received around 21% of South African pears and has increased its demand for South African plums by 47% since the beginning of the year compared to the previous season.

 

As far as citrus fruits are concerned, Russia was the 5th export destination in 2021 with 11.2 million 15 kg boxes, according to CGA. The citrus export season has not yet started but "fruit destined for Russia could end up in other markets, which could lead to oversupply and therefore lower prices" explained Justin Chadwick, CEO of CGA.

 

source : news24.com