South Africa’s agricultural exports have soared to a record high in 2024, reaching an impressive US$13.7 billion, a 3% increase from the previous year, despite facing challenges such as a mid-summer drought.
According to Agbiz chief economist Wandile Sihlobo, this growth was driven by a strong fruit harvest, a recovery in the livestock sector, and ample grain stocks from the previous season.
“The robust harvest of fruit, combined with the recovery in livestock and better stocks of grains, supported South African agricultural export growth in 2024,” said Sihlobo.
While the drought led to lower grain and oilseed production, increased volumes and higher prices for certain products helped push exports to new heights.
Top export products and markets
The Agricultural Trade Digest reports indicate that citrus, grapes, maize, apples, pears, wine, nuts, fruit juices, sugar, berries, dates, pineapples, avocados, wool, apricots, peaches, ciders, and beef were among the top exported products in 2024.
From a regional perspective, Africa remained South Africa’s largest agricultural market, accounting for 44% of total export value. Key exports to Africa included maize, wheat, sugar, apples, pears, fruit juices, wine, soybean oil, and sunflower oil.
Asia and the Middle East were the second-largest markets, making up 21% of exports, with citrus, nuts, apples, pears, wool, berries, beef, and maize among the top products. The European Union (EU) ranked third with a 19% share, importing citrus, grapes, wines, dates, avocados, pineapples, fruit juices, apples, and berries.
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Logistics and imports
Despite logistical challenges, ongoing collaboration between Transnet, the private sector, and logistical organisations has helped ensure a steady flow of products. However, concerns remain regarding South Africa’s participation in the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa).
“South Africa’s agricultural exports to the US account for 4% of total exports, which is part of the 6% exports to the Americas region. If South Africa were excluded from Agoa, the country would face an average import duty of about 3%, affecting price competitiveness,” Sihlobo said.
The report indicates that South Africa also saw an increase in agricultural imports, reaching US$7.6 billion in 2024, up 8% from the previous year, and key imports included wheat, palm oil, rice, poultry, and whiskies. The country remains reliant on imports of rice and palm oil due to unsuitable climatic conditions, while wheat imports cover nearly half of local consumption.
Despite the rise in imports, South Africa maintained a positive agricultural trade balance of US$6.2 billion, although this was 2% lower than in 2023 due to increased import costs.
“South Africa should work hard to retain existing markets in the EU, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas. Additionally, more focus should be placed on expanding market access in Brics countries China, India, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt as well as South Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Taiwan, Mexico, the Philippines, and Bangladesh,” he said.
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