The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) of South Africa have announced that the African country has requested consultations with the European Union at the World Trade Organization in relation to the phytosanitary trade regulations imposed on South African citrus fruits by the European Union (EU).

This action was initiated to find a lasting solution to EU phytosanitary regulations on citrus black spot (CBS), in order to protect the livelihoods of tens of thousands of people in the South African citrus industry. The measures adopted by the Government of South Africa have the support of the Citrus Growers Association of Southern Africa (CGA), which warns that "black spot is a fungal infection that can cause cosmetic imperfections in the affected fruit. A Despite the fact that the world's leading scientists demonstrate that CBS cannot be transmitted through fruit as a route, the EU has continued to apply measures to South African citrus producers. These involve a detailed program of fumigation and inspections at the orchard and orchard level. packers with a significant financial burden and other unintended consequences for the South African industry.

Thoko Didiza, Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development of South Africa, highlighted the importance of employment in the citrus industry. "Rural economies across the country depend on citrus exports for income. Currently, the industry cannot afford the almost R2 billion (almost €99,000) needed to comply with the EU's trade-restrictive regulations. ".

Ebrahim Patel, South African Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, highlighted that “the EU market represents a third of all South African citrus exports and is fundamental to the profitability of the citrus industry. EU volumes cannot be absorbed by other markets. The consultations are a critical step at the WTO towards an effective resolution of South Africa's concerns. This follows many years of attempts by South Africa, through good faith engagement, to find a solution to the EU's restrictive trade measures against South African products. In our opinion, the EU measures are not justified, proportionate or appropriate.”

For his part, Justin Chadwick, executive director of the CGA, stated that "the industry welcomes the actions of the South African government and looks forward to an efficient resolution of the matter with consultations starting when the citrus export season begins. this year". Projections show that if all industry stakeholders come together, the South African citrus industry will be able to produce an additional 100 million 15kg boxes over the next eight years. "This could create 100,000 more jobs and generate an additional 20 billion rand (about one million euros) in annual income, but this potential will surely be lost if the EU market narrows," he said.

The South African government's action seeks to safeguard an agricultural sector that contributes significantly to the country's economy. The South African government hopes to hold "constructive consultations with the EU to find an amicable solution."