South Africa’s agricultural exports increased significantly during the first quarter of 2026, reaching US$3.7 billion and recording year-on-year growth of 11 percent. The strong performance was driven by higher export volumes, improved global commodity prices, and sustained demand for South African fresh produce across key international markets.

Fresh fruit exports continued to play a major role in the country’s agricultural trade success. Leading export products included grapes, apples, pears, apricots, cherries, peaches, avocados, pineapples, guavas, mangos, dates, nuts, and a range of fruit juices. The growing international demand for South African produce reinforced the country’s position as a major global agricultural exporter.

Despite the positive export growth, the sector continued to face logistical challenges during the quarter, particularly at the Port of Cape Town. Delays experienced during the peak table grape export season at the end of 2025 and into early 2026 created pressure on exporters and supply chains. As a result, some exporters redirected cargo volumes through ports in the Eastern Cape to minimise disruptions and maintain delivery schedules.

Africa remained South Africa’s largest agricultural export destination during the first quarter of 2026, accounting for 44 percent of total export value. Agricultural products shipped to African markets included apples, pears, fruit juices, and several other food products. The strong trade relationship with neighbouring African countries continues to support regional food supply chains and export growth opportunities for South African producers.

The European Union remained the second-largest market for South African agricultural exports, contributing 26 percent of total export value during the quarter. Exports to the EU included grapes, apricots, cherries, peaches, plums, apples, pears, avocados, pineapples, dates, guavas, mangos, citrus juices, nuts, and other fruit products. Continued demand from European consumers has strengthened South Africa’s export performance despite ongoing logistical constraints.

Asia and the Middle East represented 14 percent of agricultural export value during the quarter. South African exporters supplied these regions with products such as apples, pears, grapes, citrus fruits, berries, apricots, cherries, and peaches. The continued expansion of export markets in Asia and the Middle East reflects growing international demand for high-quality South African produce.

Exports to the Americas accounted for 4 percent of total agricultural export value in the first quarter of 2026. Products exported to these markets included grapes, cherries, apricots, peaches, plums, nuts, and fruit juices. Meanwhile, exports to the United Kingdom and other remaining international markets contributed 12 percent of overall agricultural export earnings.

As a result of the strong export performance, South Africa’s agricultural sector recorded a trade surplus of US$1.8 billion during the first quarter of 2026. This marked a 30 percent increase compared to the same period last year, highlighting the resilience and competitiveness of the country’s agricultural industry despite ongoing infrastructure and logistics challenges.

South Africa’s agricultural export growth in 2026 demonstrates the importance of the sector to the national economy, foreign exchange earnings, and global food supply chains. Continued investment in port infrastructure, logistics efficiency, and market expansion will remain critical to sustaining future export growth and strengthening the country’s position in international agricultural trade.