Citrusdal, a picturesque farming town nestled in the shadows of the Cederberg mountains in South Africa’s Western Cape, thrives on the fruity bounty of orange and lemon orchards. As July and August approach, the anticipation of the tangerine harvest grows, with plans to export the juicy produce to key markets in the UK, Europe, and the US. Yet, the threat of tariffs imposed by Donald Trump’s administration looms over this agricultural haven, leaving local farmers and families anxiously contemplating their future.
South Africa’s role as one of the leading exporters of citrus under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) hangs in a precarious balance. This trade agreement provides Sub-Saharan countries with preferential access to US markets through tariff-free imports. However, tensions between the South African government and the Trump administration have set alarm bells ringing for farmers in Citrusdal, as they fear their vibrant exports may not land on US soil if AGOA faces renewal challenges in September 2025.
Gerrit van der Merwe, chair of the Citrus Growers’ Association and managing director of ALG Estates, reflects on the dire implications of losing this vital trade agreement. “We take a step back, that’s a hit. Not just on the farmers but on all the community,” he states, expressing concerns that a lack of prosperity could lead to a shift in supply to competitors like Peru or Spain. He warns, “If we are missing out on prosperity, the slack will probably get picked up by a citrus farmer in Peru or some farmer in Spain.”
Although only 9% of South Africa’s citrus exports go to the US, the impact of losing tariff-free access could be significant. Van der Merwe estimates that AGOA contributes to approximately 35,000 jobs within the South African citrus industry, as well as indirectly supporting a further 25,000 jobs in the US. “We have a 35 to 45% unemployment rate in South Africa. We need wins,” he underscores.
The situation has been exacerbated by a new land expropriation act signed by President Cyril Ramaphosa, which permits the state to seize land for the public interest. Trump’s administration has labelled this law as “egregious and hateful,” offering asylum to Afrikaners whose land may be at risk. However, van der Merwe and others in the citrus community do not view emigrating as a viable option. “Most of the people I deal with love South Africa and would like to stay,” he says, dismissing the fears that have permeated some circles regarding a mass exodus of farmers.
As a black labourer waves from the back of a tractor, and Coloured community workers labour to clear insect-infected oranges, the complex legacy of land ownership and agriculture is on stark display. The legacy of apartheid continues to shape the socio-economic landscape, with 7% of the population—predominantly white—holding over half of the land. This historical context adds layers of complexity to the current concerns over tariffs and land ownership, illustrating how intertwined these issues are in the fabric of South African society.
With the clock ticking toward the renewal deadline for AGOA and the shadows of tariff threats lurking, the fate of Citrusdal’s farmers hangs in the balance. Gerrit van der Merwe’s hopes remain pinned on finding a resolution that prioritises the community’s prosperity and maintains the critical lifeline of citrus exports, much to the concern of farmers in this idyllic yet precarious corner of South Africa.
Additional reporting BCC news