Agricultural Business Chamber calls for coordination among countries on fresh produce imports, exports

The Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz) has again raised concerns about what it’s labelled as poor coordination among some countries in the Southern African Customs Union (SACU).

This follows Botswana’s decision to reintroduce import bans on key vegetables due to their relatively high local production and availability.

This includes red and yellow peppers, garlic, butternut, adding to an already long list of other commodities.

Agbiz chief economist Wandile Sihlobo said implementing bans on agricultural products on short notice with limited communication to other countries has become a worrying trend.

Namibia and Botswana have been identified as the major culprits of this practice.

Sihlobo said this raises questions about regional trade integration and policy coordination.

“For our economic diplomacy thinking, we are now running into a lot of friction here, which is why I always argue that SACU needs to be reviewed both for easing our trade agreements, and for easing the friction we now see so that South Africa businesses can plan well on what to do next.”

While he admitted that there’s a need to support local farmers and reduce their dependence on Southern Africa, Sihlobo said he’s uneasy with the drastic policy changes, with minimal consideration for regional ambitions.

He said South Africa’s response will need to be sensitive but firm.

“While all this is frustrating, we should not be antagonistic or arrogant but rather see this through the lens of understanding Botswana’s aspirations, formulate pathways for coexistence, and ensure better communication of policy approaches within the region.”