Passage to China for SA citrus exports
SA is set to export 500,000 tons of citrus in the next three to five years
After an application process that has taken four years, SA is finally able to export citrus to China using break-bulk shipping.In break-bulk shipping, the fruit is stored in pallets which are put into the ship's hold instead of being transported in containers, the method used for more than 85% of SA's citrus exports."Until now, the Chinese protocol has only allowed us to buy containers. Last year, we finally got permission and the protocol was revised and changed to allow us to now use these break-bulk vessels," says Justin Chadwick, CEO of the Citrus Growers' Association of Southern Africa.It is easier to maintain the temperature at the required level with break-bulk shipping due to better airflow, he says. Another advantage is that it would ease congestion in the container-shipment areas of ports.SA's first break-bulk citrus shipment to China was loaded in Durban on Monday. The vessel can take up to 5,200 pallets of fruit.The downside is a possible oversupply in the e...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.