The South African government has filed a second complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO) about the EU's new import requirements for South African citrus fruits. “South Africa is challenging the EU ban on imports of citrus fruit affected by the fungal disease Phyllotactic citricarpa (black spots on citrus),“, noted the WTO. The complaint states that the EU measure violates several WTO provisions on phytosanitary standards.
Two years ago, South Africa filed a complaint at the WTO against the then-imposed European Union requirement for mandatory cold processing within 25 days of all citrus fruits imported from the African country. The measure is aimed at combating the false cane or orange moth.
In 2023, South African citrus exports to EU countries have decreased by 20% to USD 644 million, including due to strict phytosanitary standards adopted by the EU. South Africa is the second largest exporter of oranges in the world after Spain.