Strong demand in Europe could limit South African citrus volumes available for Asia this season, industry sources have revealed.
Some exporters have admitted that they are finding it hard to get enough fruit to Asia because it is difficult to match the returns from euro and sterling markets. However, exporters are positioning themselves to make the most of the Japanese market, according to Chris Chance who coordinates the industry's Japanese deal.
South Africa is expected to export around 4.6m cartons there this year, comprising some 200,000 cartons of lemons and 900,000 cartons of oranges, he told Fruitnet. South Africa is also expected to further develop its clementine shipments to Japan after being granted access for the first time last year, Mr Chance said.
