The South African Cabinet has expressed concerns over the economic repercussions of new stringent restrictions imposed on its citrus exports by the European Union. These measures were introduced following allegations that the citrus black spot disease from South Africa was impacting domestic markets within the EU.
As the world’s second-largest citrus exporter, South Africa has turned to the World Trade Organization to help resolve the escalating trade dispute.
While the EU’s actions stop short of a complete ban, they have had a severe impact on South Africa’s economy, particularly in rural areas. Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni detailed the economic fallout: “South Africa’s industry provides direct employment for over 140,000 people in rural South Africa and thus supporting over 1.5 million people. The measures imposed by the EU result in significant costs for the SA citrus industry, which are estimated at R2 billion (US$110 million) per year.”
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