South Africa’s agricultural exports grew by 26 percent in the second quarter of 2025, reaching 161 million U.S. dollars despite facing global trade pressures, Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen announced on Monday, August 18.
He attributed the growth to strong harvests, high-quality produce, and improved port efficiency, with citrus, grapes, apples, pears, nuts, and wine leading export gains.
However, the minister cautioned that the 30 percent tariff recently imposed by the United States threatens long-term access to this key market. He stressed the urgency of diversifying export destinations and enhancing competitiveness, noting that ongoing diplomatic talks with Washington aim to secure a more favourable trade arrangement.
Industry experts have warned of broader economic risks if negotiations fail. Automotive specialist Mphutumi Damane noted that tariffs could exacerbate factory closures, disproportionately hurting workers. He called for stronger enforcement of local content regulations to shield the domestic automotive industry from imported competition, arguing that U.S. trade talks may ultimately fall short of resolving structural vulnerabilities.