South Africa is among the top 30 food exporters in the world, highlighting the country's growing influence in global agricultural trade.

South Africa is among the top 30 food exporters in the world, highlighting the country's growing influence in global agricultural trade.

According to data from the World Trade Organization, South Africa recorded approximately $13.6 billion in agricultural exports in 2024, representing about 0.9% of global agricultural trade. This ranking places the country among a relatively small group of nations that supply the majority of food products traded worldwide.

The world's leading agricultural exporters alone account for more than 80% of the global agricultural export market, estimated at $1.5 trillion. The top ten exporters alone control nearly half of global agricultural trade, giving a handful of economies considerable influence over food prices, supply chains, and food security.

The inclusion of South Africa underlines the country's growing role as a major agricultural producer on the continent, especially as global food systems continue to come under pressure from climate change, geopolitical tensions and evolving trade policies.

Record exports

South Africa's agricultural sector ended 2025 on a historic high, with exports reaching a record $15.1 billion, despite escalating trade tensions with the United States. New tariffs imposed by the US on certain agricultural products significantly impacted South African exports during the second half of the year.

However, South Africa has compensated for the decline in its exports to the United States by strengthening its trade links with other regions.

The rest of Africa became the main destination for the country's agricultural exports, accounting for 53% of shipments in the fourth quarter of 2025. Asia and the Middle East together accounted for 17%, while the European Union accounted for 16%.

By comparison, the Americas, including the United States, contributed only 4% to South Africa's agricultural exports during the same period, indicating a significant shift in the country's export strategy and trade relations.

These figures reflect South Africa's increasing diversification, moving away from traditional Western markets as it deepens its agricultural trade in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.