In a year where trade has dominated the headlines since the U.S. started imposing higher tariffs against its trading partners, agricultural export activity is worth paying close attention to.

Encouragingly, the start of the year has remained positive for the sector. In the first quarter of 2025, South Africa's agricultural exports totalled US$ 3.36 billion, up 10% from the same period a year ago. This is a function of both higher volumes of various product exports and better commodity prices.

The products that dominated the exports list in the first quarter were mainly grapes, maize, apples, pears, apricots, cherries, peaches, wine, wool, fruit juices, nuts, dates, avocados, pineapples, and beef, among other products.

While the ports remain a challenge and require further improvement and investment, the agricultural export season in the first quarter experienced less friction than in the recent past..

South Africa does not engage in one-way trade. The country imports various agricultural products. In the first quarter of 2025, South Africa's agricultural imports totalled US$ 1.94 billion, a 19% increase year-over-year. The increase resulted from higher value and volume of major products South Africa imports, such as wheat, palm oil, rice, poultry, and whiskies.

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Richard Humphries and Sam Mkokeli produce this podcast. Wandile Sihlobo website