South Africa’s agricultural exports rose 11% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026, reaching $3.7 billion despite persistent logistical bottlenecks and global trade uncertainty. Data from the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa showed strong international demand for products including grapes, apples, pears, maize, wine, sugar, avocados, and fruit juices. Africa remained the country’s largest export market, accounting for 44% of total agricultural exports, while shipments to the European Union also remained robust. Economists and government officials credited the growth to the sector’s resilience and competitiveness, although they warned that infrastructure weaknesses continue to threaten future expansion. Nevertheless, analysts pointed to growing opportunities in Asia and other emerging export destinations that could aid the industry’s expansion.
IOL
