IN THE third quarter of this year, the value of South Africa’s exports of agriculture, that is food, fibre and beverages, amounted to $3.7 billion (R65bn), up 10% year on year (y/y), Agricultural Business Chamber chief economist Wandile Sihlobo said yesterday.
South Africa’s agricultural trade data painted an encouraging picture, despite the sector continuing to struggle with poor road networks and inefficiencies in rail networks and ports.
According to the economist, the main factors underpinning this were the sizeable agricultural output in the 2021/22 production season, and higher commodity prices.
“Citrus, maize, nuts, wine, apples and pears, sugar, fruit juices, berries, soy beans and wool were among the most crucial products exported in the third quarter. We had feared that the citrus market access challenges South Africa faced in…