South Africa’s agriculture sector is facing renewed global trade uncertainty, with new U.S. tariffs on local exports set to take effect from 1 August.
Encouragingly for South African agriculture, we are seeing progress in expanding access to alternative markets. Recent developments include:
- Avocados to China, Japan and India: Market access is being actively facilitated by the Minister in these countries, which have growing demand for high-quality produce. 2024 marked the first season where South Africa exported avocados to these new markets.
- Maize to Japan and India: New trade agreements now permit the export of South African maize to both nations, strengthening grain market resilience.
- Beef and lamb to Iran: Fresh protocols now allow South African meat exports to enter this important Middle Eastern market.
- Table grapes to the Philippines and Vietnam, and citrus to Vietnam: These major horticultural products are gaining strong footholds in Southeast Asian markets.
We commend Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen for the role he has played in advancing market access for South African produce. His targeted approach to opening new markets, particularly in Asia and the Middle East, reflects exactly the kind of proactive leadership required to future-proof our economy and protect jobs at home.
A strategy to maximize existing trade agreements, while actively concluding new trade agreements is seeing the kind of progress South Africa needs.
The DA remains deeply concerned that there is currently absolute silence from Minister Parks Tau on any progress for a comprehensive trade deal with the United States of America, to avoid the imposition of tariffs from 1 August 2025. For the automotive and agricultural sectors specifically, the failures and silence from the Minster of Trade, Industry and Competition is alarming.
The growing list of agricultural trade partners, expanding under Minister Steenhuisen shows that the direction South Africa must continue to pursue is possible: a diversified, strategically positioned agricultural export sector capable of withstanding global disruptions.
The DA urges government to strengthen its trade diplomacy efforts across all sectors by maximising existing trade agreements, identifying high-growth markets, and ensuring that South African exports meet international standards.