Surge in South Africa's agricultural exports to the US: 26% increase in Q2 2025
South Africa’s agricultural exports to the United States rose by 26% in the second quarter of 2025
Image: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers
South Africa’s agricultural exports to the United States rose by 26% in the second quarter of 2025 compared to the same time last year, reaching US$161 million.
This, according to data from Trade Map and analysis by the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz). The growth occurred despite ongoing strained trade relations between the two countries.
Recently, the US has imposed 30% tariffs on all South African agricultural goods with the US administration saying that the measures aim to address the trade deficit between the two countries.
Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen also has acknowledged the sector’s resilience despite the challenges.
“However, it is important to examine this performance with a forward-looking perspective. The recent imposition of a 30% tariff on our exports by the United States(US) has brought to light the urgent need to diversify our export markets––and enhance our competitiveness to mitigate the economic impact of losing preferential trade access.” Steenhuisen said.
“Our capacity to gain steady, long-term access to this important market continues to be atop priority,”.
Experts and economists have warned that the tariffs will have a devastating effect on South Africa’s agricultural employment, potentially leading to job losses and reduced income for workers.
"Notably, South Africa's agricultural exports to the U.S. surprisingly increased by 26% in the second quarter of 2025, from the same period a year ago, at US$161 million," Agbiz said.
"The composition of the products hasn't changed; it is mainly citrus wine, fruit juices, and nuts, amongst other typical agricultural exports to the U.S."
The report noted that South Africa’s large fruit harvest also contributed to the sharp increase in export volumes.
"Which far surpassed the average typical quarterly growth in exports to the U.S., which is about 9%. Also worth highlighting is that the rise underscores in a way the importance of the U.S. market for some producers
"While it remains somewhat smaller from a national perspective. South Africa's agricultural exports to the U.S. were still 4% in the second quarter of 2025".
Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist at Agbiz, also added that while the country's agricultural exports to the US remain robust, future growth will depend on securing more favourable trade terms
"So far, what remains uplifting, at least for now, is the fact that the agricultural exports to the U.S. market remain robust"
"The coming quarters’ performance will depend on whether South Africa achieves better security and tariff levels than the current 30%, which is far above our competitors, such as Chile and Peru, among others".
mthobisi.nozulela@iol.co.za
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