Trump tariffs threaten 35,000 jobs, entire towns in South Africa's citrus sector, farmers group says

The Trump administration is set to impose 30% tariffs on South African citrus, which may jeopardize 35,000 jobs and severely impact rural economies dependent on citrus exports to the U.S. The Citrus Growers' Association highlights towns like Citrusdal, which could face economic collapse due to reliance on the U.S. market. Citrus exports, which occur when U.S. citrus is out of season, are crucial for many South African farmers. The growers are urging their government to negotiate tariff reductions ahead of an export period that coincides with the new tariffs.

"There is immense anxiety in our communities," said Gerrit van der Merwe, the chairman of the Citrus Growers' Assn. and a citrus farmer near Citrusdal.

"Citrus is not produced in a factory," Citrus Growers' Assn. CEO Boitshoko Ntshabele said. "[South African] citrus growers do not compete with U.S. citrus growers. In fact, qu..."

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