Agribusiness group urges stronger regional coordination as Botswana revives vegetable import bans

SOUTH AFRICA – South Africa’s main agribusiness body has warned that sudden trade actions in the region now strain cooperation among Southern African Customs Union members.

The Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa said the latest move by Botswana to restart bans on several vegetables highlights a bigger challenge.

Botswana recently brought back restrictions on red and yellow peppers, garlic and butternut. The country said local supply looked strong enough to justify the decision. These items join a long list of fresh goods already under similar controls.

Agbiz chief economist Wandile Sihlobo said short-notice bans with little communication leave traders uncertain and limit planning. He pointed out that Namibia and Botswana continue to take such steps without giving enough time for their neighbours to adjust.

Sihlobo said these choices raise concerns about regional trade goals. He explained that frequent policy changes unsettle traders and weaken cooperation among countries that should grow trade together. “For our economic diplomacy thinking, we are now running into a lot of friction here, which is why I always argue that SACU needs to be reviewed both for easing our trade agreements, and for easing the friction we now see so that South Africa businesses can plan well on what to do next.”

Sihlobo recognised the need for each country to grow its own production. He said every nation wants to support local farmers and reduce dependence on imports. Even so, he noted that sweeping changes can harm wider regional goals. He described his concern about the pace of these decisions.

He said South Africa must respond with care but still act firmly. “While all this is frustrating, we should not be antagonistic or arrogant but rather see this through the lens of understanding Botswana’s aspirations, formulate pathways for coexistence, and ensure better communication of policy approaches within the region.”

South Africa reports stronger fruit export earnings

At the same time, South Africa recorded better agricultural export performance in the second quarter of 2025. Export value reached about US$3.69 billion, rising from US$3.35 billion in the first quarter of 2025. This also exceeded the US$3.37 billion recorded in the same period last year.

National Agricultural Marketing Council CEO Dr Simphiwe Ngqangweni highlighted the results in the organisation’s latest update. “It is encouraging to note the strong export growth amid emerging global trade challenges in the second quarter of 2025.”

Ngqangweni said South Africa sells fruit across a wide set of markets. The Netherlands held the top spot with 11 percent of export value, followed by the United Kingdom at 8 percent. Zimbabwe, Botswana, Mozambique and Namibia each held 5 to 7 percent shares. The United Arab Emirates and the United States each took 4 percent.

He added that many fruit groups grew strongly. “The majority of the top 15 agricultural exports recorded impressive growth over this period, with macadamia nuts leading with a 92 percent year-on-year growth rate, followed by lemons at 58 percent, oranges at 41 percent, soft citrus at 31 percent, and pears at 25 percent, among others.”

Ngqangweni said apples and lemons kept their position as the country’s top exported farm goods. He noted lower sales of avocados and maize, which dropped by 25 percent and 5 percent.

He said the broader trade balance improved because imports fell. “This export growth reflects resilience and sustained competitiveness, with Q2 exports increasing by 15 percent and the trade balance improving on the back of reduced imports over the past five years.”

Concerns remain over new US reciprocal tariffs of 30 percent. Ngqangweni warned that these tariffs may hurt future earnings. Although the United States removed tariffs on some goods, including fruit juices, avocados, bananas, oranges and limes, about 70 percent of South Africa’s farm exports still fall under the higher tariff bracket.

The NAMC said it will keep watching policy changes that affect exporters.

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