South Africa’s 2025 citrus export season has closed on a resounding high note, with Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) confirming a 19% year-on-year increase in volumes handled across the country’s ports by the end of September. The strong performance, driven by a combination of bumper crop yields and significant terminal efficiency improvements, underscores the country’s position as the world’s second-largest citrus exporter.
Terminal Throughput: A Tale of Double-Digit Gains
The success was widespread, with nearly all major terminals involved in citrus export recording double-digit growth. The most dramatic gain was seen at the Durban Multipurpose Terminal (DMT), which processed an impressive 131.6% more volumes than in the previous season. Container terminals also showed robust growth: The Ngqura Container Terminal (NCT) in the Eastern Cape saw a substantial 35% rise in volumes. The Durban Container Terminal (DCT) Pier 2 improved its throughput by 28.8%.
Cape Town’s Significant Turnaround
The Cape Town Container Terminal (CTCT), a critical gateway for Western Cape agricultural exports, delivered a major turnaround. The terminal recorded a solid 27.4% year-on-year increase in citrus volumes. This figure signals that recent operational improvements and Transnet’s targeted investment programs are beginning to effectively address historical congestion and efficiency challenges at the key port.
Record Volumes and Future Outlook
The immense throughput at the ports was a direct result of a bumper crop season. Former Citrus Growers’ Association (CGA) CEO Justin Chadwick described 2025 as one of South Africa’s strongest seasons on record, noting that exports “made a mockery of industry estimates prepared in March this year.” The industry exceeded 200 million cartons in total exports, marking a 24% increase on 2024. This surge was led by specific varieties: Mandarins grew by nearly 30%, surpassing 50 million cartons, and Lemons grew by 19%, breaking the 40 million-carton mark for the first time. The logistical success was enabled by Transnet’s ongoing capital expenditure, including the R3.4 billion investment in new cargo-handling equipment last financial year and a further R4 billion investment program this year.
The CGA is now focused on its Vision 260 strategy, aimed at reaching 260 million export cartons by 2032. Chadwick confirmed that with continued work on market access and logistics, this goal is “looking to be achievable,” reinforcing the sustainability of the sector’s growth trajectory.
A Platform for Future Growth
The successful conclusion of the 2025 citrus season, marked by TPT’s reported 19% volume increase, stands as a powerful testament to the resilience and potential of South Africa’s export sector. The record-breaking performance—fuelled by a bumper crop that pushed total exports past 200 million cartons—highlights a critical alignment between a high-quality agricultural yield and notably improved logistics efficiency at the ports. With Transnet committing to sustained capital investment and the Citrus Growers’ Association focused on achieving its ambitious 260 million-carton goal by 2032, this season has not only delivered record growth but has also established a stronger, more efficient platform for future expansion in the highly competitive global citrus market.