South Africa’s agricultural exports reached a record $15.1 billion in 2025, up 10% from the previous year, as strong demand from regional and emerging markets offset weakness in traditional destinations, according to trade data. The performance underscores the sector’s resilience amid global trade challenges, Business Insider Africa reported.
The growth marking the seventh consecutive annual rise in agricultural exports, was driven by higher volumes and improved prices for key products such as citrus, wine, nuts and table grapes. The Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa noted that strong performance across multiple markets helped offset a significant decline in U.S. shipments.
Shipments to the United States fell sharply following the imposition of new tariffs on selected agricultural goods. Exports to the U.S. dropped about 11% in the third quarter of 2025 and 39% in the fourth quarter, reflecting the impact of higher duties, according to CediRates.
Despite the U.S. slump, Africa emerged as the largest market, taking more than half of South Africa’s agricultural exports in the fourth quarter. Asia and the Middle East accounted for 17%, while the European Union received around 16%, signaling a shift toward regional and emerging markets amid changing global trade dynamics.
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