South Africa and Vietnam seal new agricultural deal to boost trade
South Africa deepens its ties with Vietnam through a new agricultural cooperation agreement.
SOUTH AFRICA – South Africa has taken a major step toward growing its presence in Asia after the Ministry of Agriculture confirmed a new cooperation agreement with Vietnam.
Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen oversaw the signing ceremony on 21 November 2025, where Deputy Minister Rosemary Nokuzola Capa and Vietnam’s Deputy Minister Nguyen Hoang Hiep signed the Memorandum of Understanding.
Minister Steenhuisen said the deal reflects a strong and growing relationship between the two countries. “At its heart, this partnership is built on trust and a shared ambition to strengthen sustainable agricultural systems that deliver economic growth and deepen the warm ties between our countries,” he said.
The agreement covers crop production, plant protection, veterinary services, research, technology exchange and broader agricultural trade. Minister Steenhuisen noted that the deal holds major value for South African producers. “This agreement strengthens our strategic presence in Asia and supports our mission to broaden market access for South African producers,” he said.
Growing citrus success
South Africa has seen fast growth in citrus sales to Vietnam. Orange exports jumped from 53 311 cartons in 2024 to 209 569 cartons in 2025. Minister Steenhuisen said the numbers reflect clear gains for local farmers. “We are building on real results. Our high-quality oranges have found a loyal and growing audience in Vietnam, where consumers recognise the value of South African produce,” he said.
The deal also supports South Africa’s wider plan to grow its reach in Vietnam’s agricultural market, which holds a value of more than 30 billion dollars (approx US$30 billion). Officials expect the partnership to create new export earnings worth hundreds of millions of dollars in the coming years.
Beyond citrus, South Africa already exports apples, pears, grapes and maize to Vietnam. The new agreement now creates room for more products. These include mandarins, game meat and other speciality items that can help broaden South Africa’s product basket.
Strengthening economic impact
Minister Steenhuisen said South African exporters feel confident as demand in Asia continues to rise. “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,” he said.
Officials expect the deal to support economic growth, new rural jobs and more stable incomes for farming communities. Vietnam’s strong and fast-growing economy also offers South Africa a reliable gateway to wider Asian markets.
This agreement follows Minister Steenhuisen’s visit to Vietnam in October 2025, during President Ramaphosa’s state visit. The two countries held three weeks of talks before finalising the deal, which now marks a turning point in their agricultural trade relations.
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