South African agricultural export growth

South Africa’s agricultural export sector has demonstrated significant growth across various commodities and international markets. In the second quarter of 2026, exports reached a record US$4.1 billion, a 10% increase from the previous year. This surge was attributed to higher shipment volumes, rising global prices, and improved efficiency at the Cape Town port. A notable driver was a 56% increase in shipments to the United States, supported by a reduction in effective US tariffs from 30% to 12.5%.

Specific sectors such as stone fruit and pecans have also shown strong performance. The stone fruit industry reported a turnover of approximately $308 million in 2025, with plums and nectarines leading growth. In the pecan sector, harvests are projected to increase due to favorable weather and irrigation. Growth in pecan exports to China is expected to rise by 35%, following China’s decision to reduce tariffs on imports from African countries from 7% to zero in May 2026.

Exporters are increasingly pivoting toward China, India, and Russia to diversify their international footprint and hedge against trade friction in traditional markets. Companies within the Coega Special Economic Zone are targeting these BRICS nations to absorb increasing output. For instance, DC Foods is finalizing regulatory procedures to launch frozen fruit and sorbet products in China, while Coegapack has noted that demand from BRICS markets is essential for industry development.

To support rising volumes, such as the 22% increase in citrus exports reported in 2025, pest management has become critical. South Africa utilizes the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) to mitigate risks from the Mediterranean fruit fly, which has successfully reduced wild populations by 73% in targeted areas.