Total agricultural exports in 2023 reached a new record of US$13.2 billion, up 3 per cent from 2022. This is reported by
Pretoria News, a partner of the TV BRICS.

Citrus fruits, corn, apples and pears, nuts, wine, soya beans, sugar, wool, grapes, berries, avocados and fruit juices dominated the export list.

South African Chamber of Agribusiness (Agbiz) chief economist Wandile Sihlobo believes the reason for the increased export activity is due to sales and price dynamics.

Sihlobo noted that African countries remained the leading market. They accounted for 38 per cent of South Africa’s agricultural exports in 2023 and Asia is in second place (28 per cent of exports).

The expert added that credit for the record import growth in this area goes to trade unions, government and various logistics companies that have worked to ensure a smooth flow of produce to export markets.

Photo: Pretoria New/ Simphiwe Mbokazi