Horticulture accounted for 51.3% of South Africa’s agricultural exports in the second quarter of 2026, helping the sector achieve a trade surplus of US$2.14 billion, according to the latest quarterly report by AgriCulture South Africa (AgriSA) and the Agricultural Business Chamber (Agbiz).

The agricultural trade surplus increased by 11.6% compared with the same period last year. Total exports reached US$4.12 billion, representing year-on-year growth of 9.1%, while imports rose by 6.4% to US$1.98 billion.

The strong horticultural contribution was supported by the start of the citrus export season and increased lemon shipments, alongside continued exports of other fresh produce.

Africa and Europe remained South Africa’s largest combined agricultural export markets, accounting for 70.7% of total shipments during the quarter.

Traditional markets face export pressure

Despite overall export growth, shipments to some established trading partners declined. Agricultural exports to the United States fell by 28%, partly because exporters moved deliveries into the first quarter ahead of anticipated tariff changes.

Exports to the United Arab Emirates also decreased by 26%, highlighting the importance of expanding access to alternative destinations.

Agbiz Fruit Manager Wolfe Braude noted that port logistics inefficiencies remained a concern as citrus exports increased alongside ongoing apple and pear shipments.

The report stressed that efficient port and rail infrastructure will be essential to maintaining export performance, particularly during periods when several fruit export seasons overlap.

Asian markets provide new opportunities

South African agricultural exporters recorded strong growth in several Asian and Middle Eastern markets during the second quarter.

Exports to Vietnam increased by 153% year-on-year, while shipments to Saudi Arabia rose by 90%. Agricultural exports to China grew by 30%, supported by zero-tariff access for African agricultural products introduced by Beijing from 1 May 2026.

AgriSA and Agbiz highlighted market diversification as an important strategy for sustaining export growth and reducing dependence on traditional destinations.

The organisations also emphasised the need to address phytosanitary market access barriers and improve port and rail performance to strengthen the competitiveness of South African agricultural products.

With horticulture contributing more than half of agricultural export earnings, maintaining efficient logistics, reliable market access and diversified international trading relationships will be central to the sector’s continued growth.