South Africa’s agricultural exports grew by 3/percent in 2024, reaching a record $13.7 billion. The increase was mainly driven by strong global demand for citrus fruits and grapes, according to the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz).
Africa remained the country’s biggest market, receiving 44/percent of total agricultural exports. Asia and the Middle East followed with 21/percent, while the European Union accounted for 19/percent. The United States imported 4/percent of South Africa’s produce, the report showed.
However, agricultural imports also rose by 8/percent to $7.6 billion. This was due to higher global prices for essential commodities like wheat, palm oil, and rice. As a result, the country’s agricultural trade surplus declined by 2/percent to $6.2 billion compared to the previous year.
Despite rising import costs, South Africa continues to expand its agricultural trade. Experts note that while the sector remains strong, global price fluctuations and supply chain disruptions pose ongoing challenges.