South Africa’s agricultural sector showed remarkable resilience in the second quarter of 2025, with exports reaching approximately US$3.69 billion.
By Maile Matsimela, Digital Editor at African Farming
In the latest quarterly newsletter from the National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC), CEO Dr Simphiwe Ngqangweni highlighted the sector’s impressive performance amid challenging global conditions. “It is encouraging to note the strong export growth amid emerging global trade challenges in the second quarter (Q2) of 2025,” he said.
The agricultural trade figures represent a significant milestone for the country. “South Africa’s agricultural trade maintained its significant growth, increasing by 10% to a value of approximately US$3.69 billion, an increase from a value of US$3.35 billion in the first quarter (Q1) of 2025,” the CEO noted. “This is equivalent to a 9% year-on-year increase from a value of US$3.37 billion in Q2 of 2024.”
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Key Export Destinations and Products
Ngqangweni emphasised the diverse nature of South Africa’s agricultural export markets. “The Netherlands was the leading export destination for South Africa’s agricultural exports, accounting for 11% of total value of exports, followed by the United Kingdom (8%), Zimbabwe (7%), Botswana (5%), Mozambique (5%), Namibia (5%), the United Arab Emirates (4%) and the United States of America (4%), among others.”
Several agricultural products showed exceptional growth during this period. “The majority of the top 15 agricultural exports recorded impressive growth over this period, with macadamia nuts leading with a 92% year-on-year growth rate, followed by lemons (58%), oranges (41%), flavoured waters (40%), soft citrus (31%) and pears (25%), among others,” the CEO reported.
The most exported commodities maintained their strong market position. “Apples and lemons were the most exported agricultural commodities, accounting for a share of 7% of total agricultural exports, followed by soft citrus (6%), maize (5%), oranges (4%), and wine and pears (3%),” according to Ngqangweni’s note.
However, not all products performed as well. “Despite being the most exported commodities, both avocados and maize recorded a year-on-year decline of 25% and 5% respectively during this period,” the CEO acknowledged.
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Future Challenges
Looking ahead, the CEO expressed concerns about potential trade disruptions. “This export growth reflects resilience and sustained competitiveness, with Q2 exports increasing by 15% and the trade balance improving on the back of reduced imports over the past five years,” the CEO noted.
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However, emerging trade policies pose significant challenges. “Despite South Africa’s sustained export growth over the years, the new uncertain global trade reality brought about by the 30% US reciprocal tariffs will most likely have profound negative implications for agricultural exports in the subsequent quarters,” the CEO warned.
Although some relief has been provided through recent policy adjustments, challenges remain. “Although the US has recently revised its reciprocal tariff structure, which saw commodities such as fruit juices, avocados, bananas, oranges and limes, among others, being exempted from these tariffs, approximately 70% of South Africa’s agricultural products are still subjected to the 30% reciprocal tariffs,” Ngqangweni concluded.
The NAMC continues to monitor these developments as the agricultural sector navigates an increasingly complex global trade environment.
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