By Eamonn Ryan
When Donald Trump first imposed tariffs on South African goods, the outlook appeared bleak for agriculture and the cold chain. Policymakers and industry leaders warned of shrinking access to key markets, declining export revenues, and a long, uncertain transition toward alternative trade partners. This is part two of a two-part series.
If the tariff shock triggered change, it is agriculture that has delivered the results. In a remarkably short period, South Africa’s agricultural sector has transformed from a supporting player into a central pillar of the country’s export economy – demonstrating resilience, adaptability and strong global demand.
Agriculture leads the charge
According to agriculture minister John Steenhuisen, the sector accounted for 46% of South Africa’s total export value in the fourth quarter of 2025, contributing R268.7-billion out of R581.5-billion. This growth came despite declining exports to the US, underscoring the success of diversification efforts.
“Our diversification strategy has clearly borne fruit. Strong growth to BRICS+ countries, the United Kingdom, the European Union and SADC more than offset those losses,” Steenhuisen said.
Riding a global wave
South Africa’s agricultural success also reflects a broader international trend. According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, food products now account for nearly 87% of global commodity exports – highlighting the increasing importance of the cold chain in global trade.
This has positioned South Africa well, given its strong production base and export-oriented farming sector.
Top-performing exports
South Africa’s strongest agricultural export categories in 2025 included:
- Table grapes
- Maize
- Citrus
- Wine
- Apples and pears
- Berries
- Nuts and fruit juices
- Wool
- Sugar
- Stone fruits such as apricots, cherries and peaches
Growth in high-value products has been particularly notable, with grape exports rising 36.8% year-on-year in 2024 and avocados increasing by 40.9%.
Shifting export dynamics
Agriculture is now the fifth-largest export category in South Africa, reflecting a broader structural shift in the economy.
Traditional sectors such as minerals and vehicles still play a major role but face mounting challenges. Vehicle exports, for example, have been declining due to weakening European demand and the transition to electric vehicles – impacting manufacturers like Volkswagen Group Africa.
A more resilient future
The lesson from the past few years is clear: disruption can drive progress. What began as a period of ‘doom and gloom’ has evolved into a story of resilience and reinvention. South Africa’s export economy is now more diversified, more regionally integrated, and better aligned with global trends.
Agriculture, supported by expanding trade partnerships and increasingly sophisticated logistics and cold chain systems, is set to remain at the forefront of this growth – turning a once-negative shock into a long-term competitive advantage.
Reference: Freight News