South Africa’s maize export campaign has received an early boost, with key Far East markets such as Vietnam and South Korea returning to buy local grain after a subdued 2025-’26 marketing season.
By Maile Matsimela, digital editor at African Farming
According to agricultural economist Wandile Sihlobo, the renewed demand from Asian markets is an encouraging sign for South Africa’s maize industry, which is expected to export about three million tonnes of maize during the 2026-’27 marketing year.
The new marketing year started in May 2026 and follows a season in which South Africa exported only two million tonnes of maize, falling short of the initial forecast of 2.4 million tonnes.
Also read: Agricultural scientist shows farmers how to save their maize harvests
Stronger export demand emerging
Sihlobo noted that in the previous season, South Africa’s maize exports were largely absorbed by neighbouring countries, particularly Zimbabwe, whereas demand from traditional Far East buyers remained limited. This was mainly due to abundant global maize supplies, which allowed Asian importers to source grain competitively from other exporting countries. However, early export data for the current season suggests a shift in buying patterns.
During the week ending 12 June 2026, South Africa exported 57 593 tonnes of maize, with about 74% of that volume destined for South Korea. The balance was exported to neighbouring African markets. Since the start of the new marketing year, South Africa has already exported 493 167 tonnes of maize.
Also read: How Nozuko Cezula built her 3 000-tonne maize operation and became an award-winning exporter
Record harvest creates export opportunities
Sihlobo says the stronger export demand comes at a crucial time for the grain industry.
South Africa’s 2026 maize harvest is forecast to reach a record 17.1 million tonnes. With annual domestic consumption estimated at about 12 million tonnes, the country has a substantial exportable surplus. The anticipated surplus has prompted industry expectations that exports could rise by 50% compared with the previous season.
Also read:
A-maize-ing harvest for Potch agricultural school
Access to knowledge, technology and partnerships – Pannar farmers’ day turns maize trials into a masterclass in farm profitability
Spitskop farmers push ahead with maize seed production despite setbacks
