South Africa’s agricultural exports delivered a resilient performance in 2025, reaching a record $15.1 billion, up 10% year-on-year, despite significant global trade policy shifts and uncertainty.
Exports remained strong throughout the year. In the fourth quarter alone, agricultural exports totalled $3.4 billion, reflecting a 7% increase compared with the same period in 2024. The growth was driven by a combination of improved export volumes and firmer global commodity prices.
Key export products
Products dominating the export basket in the final quarter of 2025 included:
- Table grapes
- Maize
- Berries
- Wine
- Citrus
- Apples and pears
- Sugar
- Nuts
- Fruit juices
- Wool
- Apricots, cherries and peaches
Although operational efficiency improved across several ports following policy reforms in South Africa’s network industries, congestion challenges at the Port of Cape Town during November and December created financial strain for the fruit industry. Nevertheless, overall export performance remained solid, supported by improved operations at other ports.
Regional market breakdown
In the fourth quarter of 2025:
Africa accounted for 53% of total agricultural exports, remaining South Africa’s largest market.
- Asia and the Middle East collectively absorbed 17%.
- The European Union represented 16%.
- The Americas accounted for 4%.
- The rest of the world, including the United Kingdom, made up 10%.
Impact of U.S. tariffs
Concerns remain around the so-called “liberation day” tariffs imposed by the United States.
While some exporters accelerated shipments during a 90-day pause in higher tariffs in the second quarter of 2025, exports cooled in subsequent quarters:
- Q3 exports to the US declined 11% year-on-year to $144 million.
- Q4 exports dropped sharply by 39% to $81 million.
- Key export products to the US remain citrus, wine, fruit juices and nuts.
On an annual basis, exports to the US totalled $504 million in 2025, down 3% from 2024. However, this marginal decline masks underlying pressure, as second-quarter exports were artificially elevated.
Encouragingly, the US has modified its reciprocal tariffs and exempted certain food products, easing trade friction. South African producers of oranges, macadamia nuts and fruit juices are expected to benefit from these exemptions.
Imports and trade balance
South Africa’s agricultural imports rose 4% year-on-year to $7.8 billion in 2025. The country continues to rely heavily on imports of rice and palm oil due to climatic limitations.
Taking exports and imports together, South Africa recorded a $7.3 billion agricultural trade surplus in 2025 — an 18% increase from the previous year.
According to Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist of the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa and senior research fellow at Stellenbosch University, a clearer picture of the tariff impact will likely emerge in 2026 as trade patterns normalise.
Despite logistical challenges and shifting global trade policies, South Africa’s agricultural sector demonstrated notable resilience, reinforcing its role as a key contributor to the country’s trade balance and economic stability.