According to South African media reports, South Africa's citrus exports to China have decreased significantly this season, and demand from the European market has made up for the gap.

Neil Wan, head of Shanghai-based Jingwei Xanda, an importer of citrus from South Africa, said exports to Europe had increased sharply and prices had also risen. The price and delivery of South African grapefruit in the Chinese market is very poor, and the market is more willing to pay a premium for high-quality navel oranges, such as Witkrans Whitnight and Cambria Campari. The price of Valencia orange is stable between 140 and 180 yuan/box, depending on the variety and appearance. Orange prices have not been good since the beginning of the season, with sales to China up 30% year on year, but prices have fallen.

Early in the season, the Citrus Growers Association of South Africa (CGA) is forecasting citrus exports of around 142 million cases this season, down 13.9% from last season's 165 million cases. As the season progressed, the forecast for total exports was revised to 156 million boxes, navel orange production was slightly raised, and the forecast for Valencia orange production was lowered by 5 million boxes.

Compared to the previous season, South African orange exports to China decreased by 40%, driven by a small decline in South African citrus production, mainly due to the strong European market from the beginning of the season.

South African citrus exports to Europe have increased by about 50% this year. Black spots have developed in many orchards due to late-season precipitation, and it is expected that more citrus may be sold in the Middle East and parts of Asia later in the season.

Commenting on the Chinese market, Wan added that recent bad weather such as heavy rain in northern China has affected consumption, but the consumption of imported citrus is generally on the rise. Supermarkets and consumers still tend to pay a premium for quality products, and new varieties and fashionable packaging tend to be more attractive.