South Africa's agricultural exports reached US$3.71 billion in the second quarter of 2025, up 10% from the same period a year earlier. The increase reflects higher volumes of various products and stronger commodity prices.
Fresh produce dominated the export list, including citrus, apples and pears, avocados, grapes, dates, pineapples, mangos, guavas, and berries. While port efficiency still requires improvement, operations in the second quarter experienced fewer disruptions compared to recent years.
The African continent remained the largest market for South African produce, accounting for 40% of export value. Apples, pears, citrus, and fruit juices were among the main products shipped within the continent.
The EU was the second-largest destination, representing 22% of exports. Citrus, apples and pears, avocados, grapes, dates, pineapples, mangos, guavas, and nuts formed the bulk of shipments to the EU.
Asia and the Middle East were the third-largest markets, accounting for 21% of exports. Demand in the region focused on citrus, apples and pears, nuts, grapes, berries, and fruit juices.
The Americas accounted for 7% of exports. Citrus, grapes, apples, pears, and fruit juices were the leading products. Exports to the U.S. rose 26% year-on-year in the second quarter to US$161 million. The product mix remained unchanged, consisting mainly of citrus, grapes, wine, fruit juices, and nuts. South Africa's large fruit harvest also supported the higher volumes. The U.S. market represented 4% of South Africa's total agricultural exports in the quarter.
The rest of the world, including the United Kingdom, accounted for 10% of exports.
On the import side, South Africa purchased US$1.81 billion worth of agricultural goods in Q2 2025, a 5% decline from the previous year. The trade surplus for agriculture stood at US$1.90 billion, 29% higher than in the same period in 2024.
Policy discussions have highlighted the need for South Africa to improve logistical efficiency through investments in ports, rail, and road infrastructure. Maintaining current markets in Africa, the EU, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas remains a priority, while expanding access to BRICS countries such as China, India, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt is also under consideration.
Source: Agricultural Economics Today