Pretoria, Dec 12, 2025 – South Africa’s agricultural export performance continued to strengthen in the second quarter of 2025, with earnings reaching approximately US$3.69 billion. The National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC) released its latest quarterly update, with CEO Dr. Simphiwe Ngqangweni noting that the sector’s resilience was particularly encouraging given the emerging global trade challenges.
Export earnings rose by 10 percent compared to the US$3.35 billion recorded in the first quarter of 2025, and reflected a nine percent year-on-year increase from US$3.37 billion in the second quarter of 2024. Ngqangweni highlighted the diversity of South Africa’s export markets, pointing out that the Netherlands was the leading destination, accounting for 11 percent of total export value. The United Kingdom followed with 8 percent, while Zimbabwe contributed 7 percent. Botswana, Mozambique, and Namibia each accounted for 5 percent, with the United Arab Emirates and the United States both taking 4 percent.
Several fruit categories recorded strong growth during the quarter. Macadamia nuts led the surge with a 92 percent year-on-year increase, followed by lemons at 58 percent, oranges at 41 percent, soft citrus at 31 percent, and pears at 25 percent. Apples and lemons remained the most exported commodities, each representing 7 percent of total agricultural exports. They were followed by soft citrus at 6 percent, maize at 5 percent, oranges at 4 percent, and wine and pears at 3 percent each. Despite their prominence, avocados and maize experienced declines of 25 percent and 5 percent respectively.
Ngqangweni noted that the broader trade balance had improved as imports continued to decline, underscoring the competitiveness of South African agriculture. He cautioned, however, that recently introduced U.S. reciprocal tariffs posed a significant risk to future performance. The 30 percent tariffs, he explained, could have profound negative implications for agricultural exports in subsequent quarters. While partial relief has been granted through exemptions for commodities such as fruit juices, avocados, bananas, oranges, and limes, approximately 70 percent of South Africa’s agricultural products remain subject to the tariffs.
The NAMC confirmed that it will continue monitoring global trade policy shifts to assess their impact on exporters. For now, the second-quarter results highlight both the resilience of South Africa’s agricultural sector and the challenges it faces in navigating an increasingly uncertain global trade environment.
