After months of delays, South African fresh produce exporters are now confronting steep U.S. tariffs that industry leaders warn could cripple citrus exports and ripple through global markets.

The newly imposed 30% duties, which came into effect following several deadline extensions, have rendered many shipments to the United States economically unviable. Government officials in Pretoria confirmed they are still engaged in talks with Washington to find a resolution, but optimism is fading.

President Cyril Ramaphosa and U.S. President Donald Trump spoke again by telephone this week, agreeing to continue trade discussions. Yet tensions remain high. South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola accused the U.S. of meddling in the nation’s domestic affairs, telling AFP that relations between the two countries had sunk to “a low.” Analysts warn such remarks may only harden Washington’s position.

For South Africa’s citrus industry, the stakes are significant. The Western and Northern Cape regions—currently the only areas permitted to ship citrus to the U.S.—have relied on duty-free access for more than two decades under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). The arrangement helped exports grow to over 100,000 tonnes annually, making citrus the country’s most valuable fresh produce export to the American market.

Stone fruit and table grape producers have also been cultivating the U.S. as a key growth market in recent years. But with the new tariffs in place, exporters say profit margins have vanished, forcing a potential redirection of produce to other destinations.

While some commentators argue that the U.S. accounts for only a small portion of South Africa’s fresh produce trade and that focus should shift elsewhere, industry leaders reject this as impractical. They warn that closing off any major market risks destabilising the entire sector. Redirected exports could flood other markets, driving down prices and intensifying competition among South African growers themselves.

So far, the rand’s value has remained steady despite the trade blow, leading some officials to urge calm and avoid overreaction. However, growers say the real impact will be felt in the coming months, particularly in job losses across farming, packing, and logistics. Those consequences, they caution, could shift both public opinion and the government’s approach to the dispute.

For now, South Africa’s fresh produce industry is bracing for a challenging season ahead, with the future of U.S. market access hanging in the balance.