In a year where trade has dominated the headlines since the US started imposing higher tariffs on its trading partners, it is worth paying closer attention to agricultural export activity.
Encouragingly, the start of the year has remained positive for the sector. In the first quarter of 2025 (Q1 2025), South Africa’s agricultural exports totalled US$3,36 billion (about R59 billion), up 10% from the same period a year ago, according to data from Trade Map.
The products that dominated the exports list in Q1 2025 were mainly grapes, maize, apples, pears, apricots, cherries, peaches, wine, wool, fruit juices, nuts, dates, avocados, pineapples, and beef, among other commodities.
While the ports remain a challenge and require further improvement and investment, the agricultural export season in the first quarter experienced less friction…
