South Africa’s farm exports hit record high in 2025 despite trade pressure

SOUTH AFRICA – South Africa’s agricultural sector closed 2025 with its strongest export performance on record, even as exporters faced higher tariffs, currency pressure, and rising shipping costs.

Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen said total national exports reached R581.5 billion (US$31.4 billion) by the fourth quarter of 2025. Agriculture accounted for R268.7 billion (US$14.5 billion), the sector’s highest level since the COVID-19 period.

Exports from the sector grew by 9 percent compared with R243.7 billion (US$13.2 billion) in the same period in 2024.

Steenhuisen said the results show that farmers and exporters adjusted their market focus during a difficult global trade period.

“While agricultural exports to the United States declined sharply by 36 percent in the fourth quarter of 2025 as a direct result of higher tariffs, our diversification strategy has clearly borne fruit,” Steenhuisen said. “Strong growth to BRICS+ countries, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and SADC more than offset those losses.”

Export markets drive growth

Africa remained South Africa’s largest export destination and received about 53 percent of all agricultural exports. Asia and the Middle East accounted for 17 percent, while the European Union received 16 percent. The remaining 14 percent went to markets in North and South America and other regions.

The United Kingdom recorded export growth of 21 percent during the year, while BRICS+ countries posted a 31 percent increase. Exports to the European Union grew by 9 percent and trade within the Southern African Development Community rose by 8 percent.

The country also posted a stronger agricultural trade surplus of R24.6 billion (US$1.33 billion), compared with about R20 billion (US$1.08 billion) in 2024.

Steenhuisen said farmers improved output through better production tools.

“Commercial farms have raised yield per hectare through satellite guided fertiliser use, drone pest monitoring, and soil moisture sensors linked to irrigation systems,” he said. “These systems have reduced water use by between 18 and 25 percent.”

Government programmes also helped attract R1.2 billion (US$64.9 million) in public and private investment for irrigation upgrades and packhouse expansion. These projects have helped cut post-harvest losses by 15 percent since 2024.

Fruits and nuts made up about 26 percent of agricultural exports during the fourth quarter. Key export products included table grapes, maize, berries, citrus, apples, pears, wine, sugar, nuts, fruit juice, and wool.

Exporters warn of shipping risks

Despite the strong performance, exporters in the Western Cape have raised concern about the effect of Middle East tensions on fruit shipments.

Terry Gale, chairperson of Exporters Western Cape, said rising fuel prices already affect exporters.

“As tensions increase in the Middle East, we already see the knock on effects locally through rising fuel prices,” Gale said. “For exporters working with tight margins, especially in agriculture, these cost increases affect operations very quickly.”

Shipping lines have also changed some cargo routes to the region. Gale said exporters now worry about containers that already left port.

“The immediate challenge now facing exporters is what happens to containers that are already on the water or moving toward these markets,” he said.

South Africa’s port authority said it continues to monitor vessel traffic and remains ready to handle ships that may pass the Cape of Good Hope if routes change.

Sign up to receive our email newsletters with the latest news updates and insights from Africa and the World HERE.