South Africa's Agricultural Exports to the US Experience Significant Growth in Q2 2025

Strategic Insights -

South Africa's agricultural exports to the US have surged in the second quarter of 2025, reaching $161 million (R2.8 billion), a 26% increase from the same period in 2024. This growth is attributed to a combination of strategic export actions and favorable harvest conditions. Industry associations and government officials have celebrated this increase, with many viewing it as a result of South Africa's existing African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) agreement benefits.

Key Takeaways:

  • South Africa's agricultural exports to the US in Q2 2025 totaled $161 million (R2.8 billion), a 26% increase from the same period in 2024. [1]
  • The growth is attributed to strategic export actions and favorable harvest conditions, including a bountiful fruit and wine harvest. [2]
  • Exporters rushed to ship large volumes to capitalize on a temporary pause of the Liberation Tariffs, thrusting their products into the market before tariff impacts could be felt. [3]
  • Key export products include citrus, fruit juices, wine, nuts, and various fruits such as apricots, apples, pears, and grapes. [4]
  • Securing better tariff levels will be beneficial to the citrus, nuts, ostrich products, table grapes, and wine industries. [5]
  • The industry needs to focus on export diversification, with a starting point being lower tariffs and simplified phytosanitary regulations in the BRICS countries, specifically China, India, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. [6]
  • Farming association TLU SA general manager, Bennie van Zyl, acknowledged that the increase was a reflection of South Africa's existing Agoa agreement benefits. [7]
  • Dawie Maree, head of FNB Agriculture Marketing and Information, noted that exporters were likely utilizing the window period before tariffs take effect to maximise shipping. [8]
  • Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen praised the growth within the agricultural sector, stating that it was essential to examine this performance with a forward-looking perspective. [9]

Statistics:

  • $161 million (R2.8 billion) - South Africa's agricultural exports to the US in Q2 2025 [1]
  • 26% - Increase in South Africa's agricultural exports to the US in Q2 2025 compared to the same period in 2024 [1]
  • $118m (R21bn) - South Africa's agricultural exports to the US in the first quarter of 2025, up 19% year-on-year [10]
  • 30% - Proposed tariff increase on South African exports to the US [11]

Sources:

  • Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist at the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz) [1]
  • BUSINESS REPORT [2-11]