South Africa's farm exports to the US surge, but tariffs dampen prospects

SOUTH Africa's produce exports to the United States rose 26% in the second quarter following strong harvests, Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen said on Monday, but a 30% tariff imposed by President Donald Trump could affect future shipments.

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South Africa is negotiating lower US tariffs after receiving the highest rate in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The country warns that high tariffs could cost tens of thousands of agricultural jobs.
Officials stress the need to diversify export markets and improve competitiveness to reduce reliance on US trade.

South Africa is fighting for lower tariffs in a proposed trade deal with the U.S. after it was given the highest rate in Sub-Saharan Africa. The U.S. is South Africa's second-biggest bilateral trading partner after China.

The country exports mainly citrus, grapes, apples, pears, nuts and wine to the U.S. and has warned that tens of thousands of jobs in the farm sector could be lost due to the impact of tariffs.

The value of total exports from Africa's most advanced economy to the U.S. was $161 million during the quarter, Steenhuisen said in a statement.

"The recent imposition of a 30% tariff on our exports by the United States has brought to light the urgent need to diversify our export markets and enhance our competitiveness to mitigate the economic impact of losing preferential trade access,” Steenhuisen said.

In the first quarter of 2025, South African agricultural

exports to the U.S. were $118 million, up by 19% year-on-year, he added.