By Nico van Burick
President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine’s planned visit to South Africa this week could also provide an opportunity for closer trade ties in agricultural products.
Although Zelensky and President Cyril Ramaphosa will undoubtedly focus on geopolitical issues on Thursday, there may also be an opportunity for officials from the two countries to meet separately regarding business matters and trade relations.
The leaders will likely discuss the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. This is Zelensky’s first visit to South Africa and Africa.
Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist of Agbiz, says the visit has raised the question of whether the two countries could establish long-term trade ties for agricultural products. South Africa is a major producer and exporter of citrus and wine but does not currently export to Ukraine. At the same time, South Africa could import more wheat from Ukraine if importers find the quality and price acceptable.
He says these are some agricultural products that could be discussed in the future. “Both Ukraine and South Africa are net exporters of agricultural products. According to data from Trade Map, Ukraine’s agricultural exports are about $21 billion (R392 billion) per year. These exports primarily include sunflower oil, corn, wheat, canola, soybeans, chicken products, barley, and sugar.
“The main export markets are China, India, the Netherlands, Egypt, Turkey, Spain, Poland, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, and Saudi Arabia. South Africa ranks 93rd on the list. South Africa’s main annual imports, which are $7.6 billion (R142 billion), consist mainly of wheat, palm oil, rice, chicken, and whiskey. This is why South Africa does not feature prominently on Ukraine’s list of export markets.”
Sihlobo points out that South Africa needs to import about half of its annual wheat consumption. This amounts to approximately 1.8 million tons, with most of it (41%) coming from Russia, followed by Lithuania (22%), Poland (10%), Latvia (9%), Australia (7%), Canada (6%), and Romania (5%).
In 2024, South Africa’s total agricultural exports reached $13.7 billion (R255 billion).
Officials from Ukraine are expected to negotiate with business enterprises in South Africa during the official visit to discuss strengthened trade ties when the war ends.
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