Citrus varieties like Nadorcott mandarins and Forelle pears have been singled out by Indian fruit importers as being in surplus and weakening product reputation.
The issue came to a head last year when an estimated 50 to 60 container loads of small-sized Nadorcott mandarins arrived in a short time span.
This triggered a price crash to just USD $5–6 (R88–R106*) per box. The surplus in turn affected the opening of the 2025 season for Nova mandarins, which entered the market at 30% less than the previous year’s value.
SA mandarins perceived as ‘non-premium’ in Indian market
Importers argue that South African exporters are shipping volumes without proper planning and without regard for India’s demand cycles or size preferences.
In the case of mandarins, the late arrival of large, unwanted sizes and excess volumes has led to a growing perception of South African fruit as low quality or “non-premium.”
The situation is just as troubling in the pear segment. Usually a premium variety, Forelle pears have been so heavily oversupplied from South Africa that prices have fallen 40–50% year-on-year.
Indian stakeholders claim this is part of a recurring pattern where South African companies treat India as a “dumping ground” for their excess produce.
“This aggressive export strategy may benefit short-term clearance but comes at a cost to both growers and long-term trade relationships,” a leading importer told FreshPlaza.
“The burden of these losses is ultimately borne by South African growers, and it makes Indian importers extremely cautious when engaging with RSA suppliers.”
A potentially worsening situation
Meanwhile, the proposed new 30% tariff on South African citrus exports to the USA could disrupt emerging markets even further.
Boitshoko Ntshabele, CEO of the Citrus Growers Association (CGA), insists that South Africa already pays hefty export duties to Asia.
“The US volumes cannot be easily absorbed elsewhere at such short notice,” explained Ntshabele. “Also, we already face very steep tariffs with exports to promising markets like India and China.”
*USD – ZAR exchange rate as of 12/06/2025
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