South African orange exports forecast to fall

Extreme winter conditions have hit South Africa, with winds, heavy rain and frost causing major damage not only to fruit, but also to agricultural and transport infrastructure. 

 

CGA (South Africa Citrus Growers Association) has revised its export forecasts downwards, estimating that shipments of Navel oranges will reach only 21 million cartons (15 kg), as opposed to the 25.7 million cartons initially forecast. Shipments of Valencia oranges should reach only 51.6 million cartons (15 kg), as opposed to the 58 million cartons initially forecast.

 

While at the start of the season some professionals feared that there would be an overproduction of oranges, the various circumstances that have occurred since then tend to show that this season will not be entirely satisfactory.