From 2013 to 2023, the harvested area for tangerines, satsumas, clementines, and mandarines in South Africa increased steadily from 5.92 thousand hectares to 6.89 thousand hectares. The year-on-year growth rate showed moderate increases, peaking at 2.09% in 2015 and gradually declining to 1.35% by 2023. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over this period mirrored this trend, with a peak of 2.84% in 2014 and a steady decline to 1.44% by 2023. Forecasts for 2024 onwards predict the area will continue growing, reaching 7.33 thousand hectares by 2028, albeit at a slower five-year CAGR of 0.96%.
Future trends to watch for include potential impacts of climate change, shifts in consumer demand towards these citrus fruits, and advancements in agricultural practices that may influence the efficiency and sustainability of harvesting these crops. Additionally, monitoring the economic factors affecting farmers' decisions to expand or reduce their citrus farming operations will be crucial for accurate trend forecasting.
