South Africa’s agricultural sector defied climate setbacks and logistical bottlenecks to post a record-high $13.7 billion in exports in 2024, marking a 3% increase from the previous year, according to the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz).
The surge was driven by robust fruit harvests, a rebound in livestock, and carryover grain stocks that softened the impact of the mid-summer drought on grain and oilseed production.
“While the 2024 mid-summer drought resulted in a poor grains and oilseed output, the robust harvest of fruit, combined with the recovery in livestock and the better stocks of grains from the previous season, supported South African agricultural export growth in 2024,” Agbiz noted in its latest report.
This strong performance helped offset weather-related declines in grain production.
Agbiz also noted that persistent infrastructure inefficiencies remain a concern, but collaboration between Transnet – the country’s state-owned logistics company, private industry, and logistical operators helped maintain the flow of exports, albeit with periodic delays.
Among the top export earners in 2024 were citrus, grapes, maize, apples, wine, nuts, and sugar, reflecting both higher volumes and stronger pricing in global markets.
The African continent retained its position as South Africa’s largest agricultural market, accounting for 44% of total exports. Asia and the Middle East followed with a 21% share, while the European Union captured 19%.
The Americas, including the United States, comprised 6% of exports.
While exports hit a record high, agricultural imports surged 8% year-on-year to $7.6 billion, narrowing the trade surplus to $6.2 billion, a 2% decline from 2023.
Key imports included wheat, palm oil, rice, poultry, and whisky—products where domestic production falls short due to climate constraints or economic viability.
South Africa’s exports to the U.S. accounted for 4% of total agricultural exports in 2024, primarily citrus, grapes, wine, and fruit juices.
The potential loss of duty-free access under the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) could see South African products face a 3% tariff, eroding their competitive edge against global rivals.
Industry leaders outline key priorities for expanding South Africa’s agricultural markets
Further into the report, Agbiz emphasized that in a period of heightened geopolitical tension, South Africa’s export-oriented agricultural sector must work to secure existing markets while expanding into new ones. The organization outlined three critical areas for policymakers, agribusinesses, and organized agriculture.
First, improving logistical efficiency remains paramount. Agbiz stressed that investments in port and rail infrastructure, and upgrading road networks in key farming regions, are necessary to ensure long-term export competitiveness.
Industry leaders also emphasized the need for safeguarding existing markets in the EU, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas.
This, they said, is particularly urgent as trade protectionism gains momentum, with U.S. policy-makers increasingly considering tariff hikes.
Furthermore, Agbiz called for the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, and the Department of Agriculture to take a leading role in expanding market access.
It noted that, within the BRICS bloc, South Africa should push for lower import tariffs and the removal of artificial phytosanitary barriers in China, India, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt.
Beyond BRICS, Agbiz identifies South Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Taiwan, Mexico, the Philippines, and Bangladesh as strategic growth markets.
The organization further urged stronger collaboration between government and the private sector, alongside increased resources for trade negotiations and market development, to secure South Africa’s position in an increasingly fragmented global economy.