Measuring the competitive trends of the South African citrus industry

Abstract:

This paper analyses the competitive trends of the South African citrus industry, making use of the relative trade advantage model to calculate such competitive trends over time. The data to measure competitive performance was obtained from the Food and Agricultural Organization and the International Trade Centre. Results reveal that the industry is competitive and has maintained positive figures since the early 1960s. Results also indicate that, when compared with global competitors, it is being challenged by the most powerful nations in both southern and northern hemispheres, and this indicates the need for the industry to develop meaningful strategies that can enhance the its competitive performance.