South Africa’s agricultural exports remained robust in the first quarter of 2025

In a year where trade has dominated the headlines since the US started imposing higher tariffs on its trading partners, it is worth paying closer attention to agricultural export activity.

- Wandile Sihlobo

Encouragingly, the start of the year has remained positive for the sector. In the first quarter of 2025 (Q1 2025), South Africa's agricultural exports totalled US$3,36 billion (about R59 billion), up 10% from the same period a year ago, according to data from Trade Map.

The products that dominated the exports list in Q1 2025 were mainly grapes, maize, apples, pears, apricots, cherries, peaches, wine, wool, fruit juices, nuts, dates, avocados, pineapples, and beef, among other commodities.

While the ports remain a challenge and require further improvement and investment, the agricultural export season in the first quarter experienced less friction than in the recent past.

REGIONAL EXPORTS

From a regional perspective, other African countries maintained the lion’s share of South Africa’s agricultural exports in Q1 2025, accounting for 45% of the total value.

The commodities leading the exports list to other African countries were maize, maize meal, sugar, apples and pears, fruit juices, wine, soya bean oil, sunflower oil, oilcake, and wheat, amongst other commodities.

The EU was South Africa's second-largest agricultural market, accounting for a 23% share.