Citrus farmers call on Ramaphosa to act as US tariff looms

The Citrus Growers’ Association (CGA) has called on President Ramaphosa to step in as the US moves to impose a 30% tariff on South African citrus exports.

The association warned that the tariff would deal a serious blow to rural citrus farmers and local economies.

CGA CEO Boitshoko Ntshabele voiced strong concern about the fast-approaching deadline this Friday.

He explained that growers in the Western and Northern Cape, who ship around 7 million cartons to the US each year, are facing a crucial week.

Request for Extension on Tariffs

The CGA urged Ramaphosa to urgently secure an extension of the current 10% US tariff beyond 1 August.

Ntshabele said this extension would allow negotiations toward a trade agreement that benefits both countries.

He stressed the importance of either a general extension or, if that is not possible, a specific extension for seasonal fresh produce.

“Seasonal fresh produce is perishable and cannot be stored for extended periods like other trade products,” he added.

The association noted that growers had just passed the midpoint of the export season and had prepared hundreds of thousands of cartons for shipment to the US.

Implementing the 30% tariff on 1 August would leave most of this fruit unsold.

Government Struggles to Finalise Trade Deal

IOL reported that South Africa is rushing to finalise a trade deal with the US.

The Department of Trade and Industry admitted it has not yet signed “any substantive agreement.”

Ministerial spokesperson Kaamil Alli clarified that the signed document only acts as a precedent condition, representing a step toward concluding the ongoing negotiations.

Local Economies and Jobs at Risk

CGA Chairman Gerrit van der Merwe warned that the tariffs pose a serious threat to the economic foundation of Citrusdal and the Cederberg.

He said the tariffs would affect jobs, local businesses, and critical social services.

Van der Merwe added that local growers believe a 30% tariff could not only stop future expansion but also force them to destroy between 500 and 1,000 hectares of citrus orchards that would no longer be financially viable.