South Africa and Vietnam deepen farm trade ties with new cooperation deal
The two countries move to strengthen crop, livestock, and market access growth.
SOUTH AFRICA – South Africa and Vietnam have taken a new step in their farm trade relationship after the agriculture ministries from both countries signed a cooperation agreement covering crop production, veterinary work, and market access.
Deputy Minister Nokuzola Capa signed the agreement with Vietnam’s Deputy Minister Nguyen Hoang Hiep ahead of the G20 Leaders Summit. The deal follows Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen’s visit to Vietnam during President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State Visit.
Steenhuisen linked the agreement to a growing sense of trust and shared goals between the two countries. He said, “This agreement strengthens our strategic presence in Asia and supports our mission to broaden market access for South African producers.”
Vietnam opened its doors to South African oranges in May 2024. Exporters moved 53,311 fifteen kilogram cartons that year. In 2025, shipments rose to 209,569 cartons. Steenhuisen welcomed the increase and said, “Our high-quality oranges have found a loyal and growing audience in Vietnam, where consumers recognise the value of South African produce.”
He added, “This growth is a powerful vote of confidence in our exports. It reinforces South Africa’s position as the world’s second-largest citrus exporter and highlights the strong appetite in Asia that our farmers are ready to serve.”
Expanding citrus access and tapping into a major import market
The ministry plans to open the door for more citrus products, especially mandarins. Vietnam’s farm import market stands at more than US$30 billion. South Africa’s current exports of edible fruits and nuts total about US$54 million. Officials believe the agreement will help the country grow its share of this market.
South Africa already sends apples, pears, and grapes to Vietnam. The ministry expects the cooperation deal to support larger volumes in the coming seasons.
Steenhuisen said closer ties with Vietnam will also help South Africa reach more buyers across Southeast Asia. He noted, “Ultimately, strengthening ties with Vietnam supports South Africa’s broader objective of deepening access to the Southeast Asian region. As a stable and strategically positioned economy, Vietnam offers a valuable gateway for South African producers seeking to expand in Asia’s dynamic markets.”
Recent developments strengthen the outlook
Vietnam continues to rank among the fastest-growing markets for fruit imports in Asia. South African officials want to position local growers for more stable and predictable access as demand rises.
The ministry also plans to use the cooperation pact to improve research exchange and speed up technology transfer between the two countries. Officials believe this step will help farmers improve quality, reduce losses, and meet stricter import rules in Asia.
The deal marks one of South Africa’s most active efforts this year to deepen ties with key Asian markets.
With citrus exports growing and more local farmers looking east, the ministry expects the cooperation agreement to support stronger trade, higher export earnings, and more chances for South African growers to expand.
Be the first to leave a comment