South Africa's agricultural exports not hampered by rising global trade tensions

Stephen Grootes speaks to Wandile Sihlobo, Author and Agricultural economist at Agricultural Business chamber about South Africa's robust agricultural exports in Q1 2025, which totaled US$ 3.36 billion, despite global trade challenges.

Listen to the interview in the audio player below.

Agricultural exports to the U.S were up by 10% in the first quarter of this year, compared to the same period last year.

This despite South Africa still negotiating a trade deal with America.

In the first quarter of 2025, South Africa's agricultural exports totaled $3.36 billion.

The U.S represented 7.45% of South Africa’s total exports last year, the majority of which comes out the mining and agricultural sectors.

South Africa also still continues to export to the European Union, Asia and the African continent.

The local agricultural sectors main exports includes a variety of fruits, wine, sugar and even wool.

Speaking to Stephen Grootes on The Money Show, Wandile Sihlobo, agricultural economist at Agricultural Business Chamber says South Africa's agricultural sector is thriving despite rising global tensions.

"Outlining again how important the U.S market is to the South African agricultural sector..."

- Wandile Sihlobo, agricultural economist - Agricultural Business Chamber 

"As much as we're looking to the U.S saying, 'how do we get better or preferential trade terms with them,' but we must at the same time try to ensure that we don't lose attention from other markets. We maintain those relations..."

- Wandile Sihlobo, agricultural economist - Agricultural Business Chamber 

"I do think what we need in the E.U, is maintaining that relationship that we have there, because they're an important market. About 23% in the first quarter of this year of our agricultural exports went there."

 - Wandile Sihlobo, agricultural economist - Agricultural Business Chamber 

Scroll to the top of the article to listen to the full interview.