Transnet Port Terminals’ (TPT’s) container sector has begun handling South Africa’s citrus exports, with a 21% increase in year-on-year volumes handled in April 2025.
Annually, vessels with parcel sizes as large as 7 800 containers each, call the Durban Container Terminals, Port Elizabeth Container Terminal and the Ngqura Container Terminal between April and October as South Africa exports oranges, mandarins, lemons, clementines, grapefruits and limes to over 100 markets.
The container terminals have taken steps to ensure readiness for the season. These include recruiting a total of 256 additional resources on fixed term contracts, conducting maintenance on all reefer plug points and adding 100 pieces of new equipment.
TPT General Manager for Commercial and Planning, Michelle van Buuren Schele said, “Our operations have stabilised and are now focused on growing the business, meeting customer expectations and making South Africa win.”
The Citrus Growers Association has forecasted a 3.6% increase in citrus volumes for the 2025 season amid the threat of possible tariff hikes for the United States market effective in July 2025. In engagements with industry, TPT has assured industry of its commitment to making the season successful.
In Durban, the container terminals have allocated 24 hours ahead of stack opening to allow for customers to bring in reefers from the first day. The Ngqura Container Terminal will operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. The risk of inclement weather will be closely monitored for mitigations and the terminals are working with the South African Weather Services.
In South Africa, citrus fruits grow in the provinces of Limpopo, Eastern Cape, Western Cape, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu Natal, Northern Cape and North West and are exported mainly through the Durban and Port Elizabeth Container Terminals.
