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38/2025

25 September 2025

Sparking the investment miracle developing economies need to create jobs

Developing economies today face an investment shortfall of historic proportions. Meeting even the most modest development goals will require a huge investment push—equal to about 5 percent of global gross domestic product (GDP) per year. For low-income countries, the financing gap is about 8 percent of GDP annually. It’s a prohibitive price tag that runs into trillions of dollars over the next decade.  Yet even as development needs have ballooned, investment has ebbed. Since the global financial crisis of 2008–09, investment growth in emerging market and developing economies (EMDEs) has slowed to about half the pace of the 2000s (Figure 1). Private investment growth, in particular, has halved: From double-digit rates in the 2000s to less than 7 percent in the 2010s. Foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows, a critical source of capital, technology, and managerial know-how, have also weakened and become concentrated in a handful of economies. This tension between burgeoning needs and dwindling resources defines the central challenge facing developing economies today. Click here to read full article.

FAO outlines four key areas for G20 leadership in transforming agrifood systems

The world’s largest economies, as both major producers and consumers, are uniquely positioned to drive the transformation towards more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), QU Dongyu, told Group of 20 agriculture ministers meeting today in South Africa. The meeting, held in Cape Town under the theme “Data-Driven Approaches to Addressing Food Security and Promoting Inclusive Agricultural Investment and Market Access,” was hosted by South African Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen. It comes amid overlapping global crises that continue to push millions into hunger and poverty. Current agrifood systems are among the most vulnerable to climate shocks, with droughts, floods, storms, and rising temperatures undermining productivity and disrupting supply chains. FAO’s Global Roadmap shows that achieving Zero Hunger while keeping within the 1.5 degrees Celsius target is possible. Click here to read full article.

‘Tidal wave of problems’: With harvest here, Trump’s trade war pushes some US farmers to the brink

Farmers across the country are issuing increasingly urgent warnings that they’ll face grim consequences if they don’t get help selling this year’s bumper crop that many have begun harvesting. Trade deals many had hoped would quickly emerge after President Donald Trump slapped tariffs on some of the United States’ biggest agricultural customers haven’t come. A farm bailout is no sure thing on Capitol Hill. And farmers — many of whom voted for Trump — say time is running out. “It just seems like things have stalled all summer long,” said Brian Warpup, who grows corn and soybeans on his 3,900-acre farm in northeastern Indiana. “We’re always hopeful that those negotiations are moving forward, but yet with harvest here, patience may be running thin.” Across the US, farmers describe increasingly dire circumstances stemming from a confluence of factors — trade wars, Trump’s immigration crackdown, inflation and high interest rates. Though the challenges vary in different parts of the country, farmers in some cases, particularly on the West Coast, are struggling to find labor to pick their harvest. Click here to read full article.

Parks Tau ‘cautiously optimistic’ SA will reach trade deal with US after Trump tariffs

South Africa’s land redistribution and affirmative action policies have not been the ‘primary issues’ in the US-South Africa trade discussions, says the trade and industry minister. Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau says he is “cautiously optimistic” that South Africa and the US will strike a trade deal, more than a month after US President Donald Trump imposed 30% tariffs on South African exports. “In the nature of negotiations these are tough discussions, so it’s very difficult to anticipate what the outcome would be. But I am optimistic because there’s a sense that we’d want to [reach] an agreement – that we’d want to find each other – and that, I think, is a very good starting point,” Tau told Daily Maverick during an interview in New York on Sunday, 21 September. Tau met US Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer and members of Congress in Washington last week following “intensive” three-day discussions by senior officials, his office said on Friday, 19 September. Click here to read full article.

TRADE, POLICY AND LEGISLATION

BUSA approaches court on flaws in employment equity sector targets and process

Business Unity South Africa (BUSA) has initiated legal proceedings over the recently published Employment Equity (EE) Sector Targets. The targets came into effect on 1 September 2025. The decision follows years of engagement with government, labour, and other social partners to advance the critical national goal of workplace equity and transformation. BUSA is not opposing the Employment Equity Amendment Act or the principle of sectoral numerical targets under Section 15A of the Act. The organisation has, however, cautioned that transformation must be implemented correctly. In BUSA’s view, the current sector targets are fatally flawed both substantively and procedurally. If allowed to stand, they risk undermining the very goal of an inclusive, transformed economy. BUSA has consistently engaged with the Department of Employment and Labour (DEL) in good faith. These engagements included formal meetings, data submissions, and a detailed presentation to the Minister raising urgent concerns with the consultation and methodology process. BUSA CEO Khulekani Mathe says, “What took place was not meaningful consultation; it was a presentation. As social partners, we cannot allow performative engagement to substitute for genuine collaboration. Click here to read full statement. 

Agricultural trade potential and policy trade-offs: Insights from country assessments and South Africa’s master plans

South Africa’s pursuit of preferential and partial-scope trade agreements with selected Asian and Middle Eastern partners is central to strengthening agricultural exports, advancing value addition, and securing long-term competitiveness. The analysis undertaken in this report follows a dual track: (i) a country-by-country trade opportunity assessment covering the Gulf, East Asia, and South-East Asia; and (ii) a cross-sector review of South African industry masterplans to identify areas of consensus and sensitivity regarding trade liberalisation. Key findings from the trade analysis indicate that the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Japan, and South Korea represent high-value, low-resistance markets for South African agriculture. These economies combine significant import dependence, expanding consumer demand, and manageable tariff and regulatory barriers. Fruits, wine, meat, and processed foods emerge as priority product categories, with untapped potential exceeding USD 2 billion across these four markets alone. Tariff reductions, sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) cooperation, and halal certification recognition would unlock immediate gains. Click here to read full report by Agbiz Researcher Diaan Venter.

AGRIBUSINESS RESEARCH

SA has more farmers than you think

Is South Africa really losing farmers? Think again. For years we’ve heard the claim: “Farmers are declining in South Africa.” But the numbers tell a very different story. Not 40,000… but 284,000 commercial farming households keep our nation fed. Agriculture isn’t a sunset industry – it’s a sunrise sector, with the power to grow rural economies and create over 1 million new jobs. This episode breaks down the myth vs reality of farmer numbers, the role of VAT-paying enterprises, and why agriculture remains the engine of food security, jobs, and rural vibrancy in South Africa. Click here to watch.

More reasons to be optimistic about the 2025-26 agricultural season in SA

There are early indications that 2025-26 may yet be another strong production season for South Africa's agriculture. This is as we emerge from a solid 2024-25 season characterized by ample harvests in various crops, fruits and vegetables, and a better grazing veld, supported by the favourable La Niña-induced rains. Looking to the upcoming season, the International Research Institute for Climate and Society (IRI), which we have long leaned on for forecasts, released its monthly update on September 19, indicating an increased possibility of La Niña occurrence from October through to early next year. The IRI forecast indicates a moderate probability (56%) of La Niña conditions developing during September to November 2025. These La Niña conditions are expected to persist through December 2025 to February 2026, and weaken from March 2026 onwards. Ordinarily, La Niña brings above-normal rainfall in South Africa and the entire Southern Africa region, which would support agricultural activity. In the past, a La Niña has typically been followed by an El Niño, which brings below-normal rainfall and negatively impacts the agricultural sector. Click here to read full article.

Don’t miss this one – it will change the way you look at farming.

SA’s agricultural exports remained robust in the second quarter of 2025 despite global turbulence. Encouragingly, the start of the year has remained positive for the sector. After solid export activity in the first quarter of the year, South Africa’s agricultural exports were up 10% from the same period a year ago. And while there remains a need for further improvement in the efficiency of the ports, there has been a material improvement compared with recent years. In a year where trade continues to dominate headlines after the US started imposing higher tariffs against its trading partners, we take a look at South Africa’s recent agricultural exports data to gauge the early impact of the changing trade environment. Encouragingly, the start of the year has remained positive for the sector. After solid export activity in the first quarter of the year, South Africa’s agricultural exports totalled $3.71-billion in Q2, up 10% from the same period a year ago. This is again a function of both higher volumes of various product exports and better commodity prices. Click here to read full article.

South Africa's Agriculture Exports to the U.S. Remained Strong in the Second Quarter of 2025

While concerns about deeper access for agricultural products into the U.S. market continue to linger, the activity so far has remained encouraging. South Africa's agricultural exports to the U.S. increased by 26% in the second quarter of 2025, from the same period a year ago, at US$161 million. It appears that some exporters may have taken advantage of the 90-day pause of the higher tariffs and exported more volume than usual during that period. The composition of the products remains unchanged, primarily consisting of citrus wine, fruit juices, and nuts, among other typical agricultural exports to the U.S. The fact that South Africa generally has a large fruit harvest also contributed to this enormous increase, which far surpassed the average typical quarterly growth in exports to the U.S., which is about 9%. Also worth highlighting is that the rise underscores in a way the importance of the U.S. market for some producers, while it remains somewhat smaller from a national perspective. South Africa's agricultural exports to the U.S. were still 4% in the second quarter of 2025. Click here to read full article.

Trump Trade Policies Add More Economic Pain To U.S. Farmers

The challenges that American farmers face, struggling with exports of their soybeans and other crops, show once again the importance of open and fair trade. The current higher U.S. tariffs, along with retaliatory measures by trading partners, pose a problem for everyone. For example, China, which is not only a significant market for U.S. farmers but also imports roughly half of the world's traded soybeans, has progressively shifted its suppliers, now sourcing more produce from South America and Latin America. The renewed trade friction between the countries has only accelerated the trend and left the U.S. farmers in a challenging position with one of their key export markets. China learned from the first time President Trump levied higher tariffs on them, and their consequent retaliatory tariffs, and started shifting its sources for some of its agricultural products. We now read various articles that sum up the challenge faced by U.S. farmers as: "Across the US, farmers describe increasingly dire circumstances stemming from a confluence of factors — trade wars, Trump's immigration crackdown, inflation and high interest rates." Click here to read full article.

A quiet week on South Africa's maize exports front

Although there are reports of growing maize shortages in some Zimbabwean mills, the country has not altered its policy at this time. We continue to monitor the conditions. However, it appears that other Southern African countries likely have some maize supplies to carry them for now, thanks to the recent 2024-25 harvest, which was generally good across the region. I was looking at South Africa's weekly maize export activity; typically, there would be decent volumes to the Southern Africa region. But in recent weeks, we have been through relatively quiet weeks in the maize export activity. If we consider last week's maize export data for South Africa, the country exported a mere 15,164 tonnes of maize, all to the Southern African region. The recent maize exports placed South Africa's 2025-26 maize exports at 609,867 tonnes, out of the expected seasonal exports of 2.12 million tonnes. The current marketing year only ends in April 2026. So, we have roughly 1.4 million tonnes of maize for exports in the coming months. Click here to read full article. 

G20 ministers can help developing countries tackle food insecurity

The Group of Twenty (G20) agriculture ministers will convene in the Western Cape on Thursday to discuss issues concerning the sustainability of global food security. This will include exploring various themes, such as trade, sustainable production methods and agricultural productivity. While agricultural policy is ultimately a domestic matter, these discussions often present a chance to help shift the view on climate-smart agricultural practices, finance and trade. They are also a platform for sharing ideas and production methods, helping each country think beyond its borders and adopt a global view, as agricultural markets and food security issues are interconnected globally. While much of the developed world has a stronger focus on affordability and the climate change impact of farming methods and outputs, much of the African continent, parts of Asia and the Middle East still need to contend with issues of agricultural productivity gains, in an environment where climate change risks and geopolitical tensions present additional risks.  Click here to read full article.

Letters from Down Under (Part 1) — SA, Australia can reap rich harvest through shared farming knowledge

In this insightful travelogue Wandile Sihlobo shares letters from his recent visit to Australia, reflecting on the country’s rigorous biosecurity culture, the power of well-run municipalities and the vast potential for collaboration between Australian and South African agriculture. When we are affected by animal diseases in South Africa, we tend to make this a challenge that only farmers and those linked to the industry must confront. But this ought to be a national issue, with everybody in society aware of it, and the role they play in spreading or helping to control diseases. It is, after all, people who, typically unknowingly, contribute to the spread of some diseases. I am raising this because it was the first thing that struck me when I landed at Sydney International Airport this afternoon. Biosecurity was a significant issue that was announced and closely monitored. But importantly, people seemed generally aware of the biosecurity matters. Click here to read full article.

Letters from Down Under (Part 2) — investment, innovation are critical for SA’s agricultural progress

There is much more to learn and collaborate on with Australian institutions and elsewhere as we continue to build resilient economies. We spent the day in Wagga Wagga in southeastern Australia, visiting experimental farms at Charles Sturt University’s AGRIPARK. They are doing industry-focused research on various value chains, including livestock, wine, grains and horticulture. The focus of their work primarily responds to the needs of the industry, which helps with the application of the results. The research funding model has some similarities with that of South Africa. The farmers pay levies (as a percentage of the value or volume of their production). We see this in some commodities in South Africa. However, in Australia, the government ensures that every dollar raised by the government matches the amount raised by farmers. The objective is to continuously boost Australia’s agricultural productivity and strengthen the country’s standing in global food production and trade. Once the funds are raised, the government and industry share ideas on the research areas and build a common understanding of priorities. Click here to read full article.

Maize trends in Africa

Despite having one of its best agricultural seasons, SA is importing yellow maize while Zimbabwe currently has a maize import ban in place. Business Day TV took a look at these trends with Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist at Agbiz. Click here to watch.

PODCAST: Securing Africa’s food future through innovation and investment

Motheo Khoaripe interviews Wandile Sihlobo, Economist at the Agricultural Business Chamber, on strengthening Africa’s food systems. They discuss how inclusive financing, sustainable farming, and trade can boost food security and climate resilience across the continent. The Money Show is a podcast hosted by well-known journalist and radio presenter, Stephen Grootes. He explores the latest economic trends, business developments, investment opportunities, and personal finance strategies. Each episode features engaging conversations with top newsmakers, industry experts, financial advisors, entrepreneurs, and politicians, offering you thought-provoking insights to navigate the ever-changing financial landscape. Click here to listen. Click here to listen to South Africa’s food price inflation eases.

AGBIZ GRAIN

Quicker tariff implementation needed

South Africa’s wheat import tariff, designed to shield local producers from the effects of subsidies granted to producers in other wheat-exporting countries, has officially been published on 10 July this year. The recent increase in the tariff was triggered by a decline in international wheat prices below a specified threshold – also known in the industry as the ‘trigger level’ – prompting the need to provide South African producers with additional protection. According to the South African Grain Information Service (Sagis), which calculates the tariff using a variable tax formula, the wheat import tariff increased from R549,50 to R851,50/t. This adjustment was published by the South African Revenue Service (SARS),following the triggering of the tariff on 27 May this year due to a sustained decline in international wheat prices over a three-week period. Why adjustments are necessary Dr André van der Vyver, executive director of the South African Cereals and Oilseeds Trade Association (Sacota), believes that regular tariff adjustments are necessary to support the local industry during periods of low international prices. Click here to read full article for Agbiz Grain .

OTHER NEWS

Unlocking digital trade: Database tracks global regulatory readiness

In an increasingly connected world, digital trade is transforming how goods, services, and data move across borders. From online marketplaces and virtual professional services to cloud computing and digital payments, the digital economy represents a vital engine for growth and inclusion. Digital trade refers to trade in goods and services that are delivered digitally, including cross-border transactions conducted through digital platforms. It covers digitally delivered services such as online education, telehealth, cloud computing, freelance design or programming, and more. Digital trade is a key subset of the broader digital economy, focusing specifically on international commercial transactions enabled by digital means. Global exports of digitally delivered services reached US$ 3.82 trillion in 2022, an almost fourfold increase in value since 2005, and accounted for 54 percent of total services exports, according to a joint report from the World Bank and World Trade Organization. For developing economies in particular, digital trade offers new pathways for existing firms, particularly small and medium enterprises, to access global markets and boost their competitiveness by adopting the latest innovations in production technologies. Click here to read full article.

Africa’s industrial champions - Why it takes a village to build a continent’s future

Africa is bracing for a consumer and manufacturing boom. It won't come with the snap of a finger. The continent must first navigate a gauntlet of challenges from patchy infrastructure and fragmented markets to skills gaps and inconsistent regulation. But the potential is undeniable—and the stakes could hardly be higher. By 2050, the continent’s headcount is expected to double to 2.5 billion, half of them under 25, and many bubbling with an appetite for modern goods, services, and opportunities. And yet, the current reality is sobering. Africa is far from being self-sufficient in finished goods. Despite being rich in the raw materials that global manufacturers rely on – from cocoa to cobalt – the continent is reliant on imports of processed products to fill its shelves. Today, only an anemic 2% of global manufactured goods come from Africa. This leaves Africans vulnerable to trade shocks, currency swings, and chronically unbalanced economies. Building a manufacturing base is a strategy for resilience—not just in terms of economic security, but also as a foundation for a healthier, more inclusive society.  Click here to read full article.

Import cuts to save US$1bn annually

ZIMBABWE is poised to save over US$1 billion in imports annually as the Government builds up farming to boost national food security and reduce reliance on imports. Trade data from the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) shows that the country’s food import bill surged to US$976,1 million last year, a 55,2 percent increase from US$628,9 million in 2023 as a result of the crippling drought last year. Grain imports, particularly maize, accounted for the bulk of these imports, totalling over US$1 billion, along with oilseeds and related products. The Government’s Statutory Instrument 87 of 2025 (Agricultural Marketing Authority Grain, Oilseed and Products) Amendment Regulations No. 2) now seeks to reverse this trend by introducing import restrictions and mandating staged local sourcing by processors: from April next year, at least 40 percent of grain and oilseed requirements must be sourced locally, rising to 100 percent by April 2028. Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Permanent Secretary Professor Obert Jiri explained the rationale behind the SI and the recent reopening of borders for agro-processors and millers. Click here to read full article.

SA forges agricultural alliances with Brazil and Japan at G20 meeting

Two new agreements signed on the sidelines of the G20’s Agricultural Working Group could give South African farmers new markets and smarter tech. That is if the government can also fix its own backyard. While agricultural representatives from around the world gathered in Somerset West for the G20’s Agricultural Working Group from 18–19 September , South Africa took the opportunity to secure two new Memoranda of Intent (MOIs), one with Brazil and another with Japan. They are not binding treaties, but they do open doors to expanded trade, knowledge exchange and new technology. Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen called the agreement with Brazil “a testament to our shared vision for a food-secure future”. Of the deal with Japan, he said: “This Memorandum of Intent is more than just a document. It will enable us to tap into Japan’s technology and markets while positioning South African agricultural products more competitively.” Click here to read full article. Click here to read Seeds of change—South Africa and Brazil partner to harvest a brighter future and South Africa and Japan to strengthen agriculture, trade and food security ties here.

South Africa's Presidency secures global commitments on food security and price volatility

South African Minister of Agriculture, Mr John Steenhuisen, expressed profound excitement and pride that the G20 Agriculture Ministers adopted a Food Security Task Force Declaration that is centred on the African philosophy of Ubuntu. The declaration, which was developed by the Food Security Task Force under the South African G20 Presidency, embodies the principle “I am because you are”, reflecting a global commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind in the quest for resilient and sustainable food systems. Minister Steenhuisen highlighted how this declaration marks a pivotal moment, shifting the focus from isolated national strategies to a collaborative, interconnected approach. “This is a truly historic day. The G20 Ministers have recognised that our collective food security hinges on interdependence, dignity, agency, and solidarity,” the minister stated. Minister Steenhuisen further highlighted that the agreements endorsed today are practical tools that can assist farmers, stabilise markets, and ensure that every child has access to nutritious food. Click here to read full statement.

Beef exporters face price pressure from rivals

The positive growth in South Africa’s red meat exports has been marred by continuing foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreaks and the fact that the country cannot get a coherent traceability system going. This is the view of industry body, Red Meat Industry Services, and was emphasised at the Western Cape Red Meat Producers Organisation annual general meeting at last week’s NAMPO Cape held in Bredasdorp. “The reason why Australia and New Zealand are ahead of us – in terms of price – is because traceability is legislated in those countries and, over many years, they have used that system to obtain export markets. And today they are getting among the best prices in the world because of that,” said Louw van Reenen, executive chairman of the Beefmaster Group, at the RPO Western Cape meeting. “Unless (South African) producers take part in traceability, we simply won’t get those good opportunities.” The RMIS and Bureau for Food and Agriculture Policy point out in the latest Red Meat Industry Report, Australia achieved a 13.69% increase in prices it realised in the export market, and the United States a 7.09% increase. Click here to read full article.

TPT strikes equipment deal with Swiss OEM

Original equipment manufacturer Liebherr and Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) have entered into a 10-year partnership agreement for the supply and servicing of a range of cranes used to load and offload containers at South African port terminals. TPT described the partnership as a “strategic collaboration” for the supply of ship-to-shore (STS), rubber-tyred gantry (RTG) and rail-mounted gantry (RMG) cranes as well as mobile harbour cranes (LHMs). The deal includes a 20-year asset management programme to ensure the long-term reliability and performance of the machinery. “Under the new agreement, Transnet has already placed substantial orders for Liebherr equipment. This includes four large STS cranes for the Port of Durban, which are currently being assembled in South Africa. Additionally, 48 RTGs have been ordered in multiple batches for the Durban and Cape Town terminals,” TPT said in a statement. Click here to read full article.

Avocado harvest expected to double

The annual avocado harvest in the Southern Cape has been increasing annually and the trend continues in 2025. Between 5 000 and 7 000 tonnes are expected to come off the trees in the Western Cape in the coming months, of which the majority will be from the Southern Cape. This is a doubling of last year's harvest. According to Derek Donkin, the CEO of the South African Subtropical Growers' Association (Subtrop), the growth is due to new entrants to the industry and existing growers expanding their orchards. Subtrop manages the affairs of the SA Avocado, Litchi and Mango Growers' Associations. "We are still in the process of determining the extent of the growth. There have been new plantings from Swellendam to Plettenberg Bay. Last year, 3 000 tonnes of avocados were harvested in the Western Cape, with the majority from the Southern Cape. "The expected doubling of production this season is evidence of extensive expansion of the past few years as new orchards are starting to come into production. It takes around seven or eight years for avocado orchards to reach full production, so we expect to see continued growth in years to come." Click here to read full article.

International blueberry industry convenes in Cape Town as Southern Africa seeks market expansion opportunities

Blueberry players from across the world will gather in Cape Town on Thursday for the two-day International Berry Organization (IBO) Summit, which will set the scene for the future development of the category across global markets. Southern Africa’s blueberry producers hope that it will also be a new dawn for their industry, both in terms of regional cooperation and worldwide growth. South Africa’s agricultural minister John Steenhuisen will open the Summit on Thursday at Cape Town’s Convention Centre. Steenhuisen is leader of the opposition in South Africa and as minister in the Government of National Unity has played a leading role in developing and maintaining South Africa’s access to world markets. For Southern Africa’s producers, the Summit on home soil comes at a crucial time. The Zimbabwean industry has recently been granted access to China, although for them the most important work starts now as they must deal with strict Chinese phytosanitary protocols. Click here to read full article.

Global market overview tomatoes

The global tomato market is showing mixed dynamics, with production, acreage, and pricing trends varying widely between regions. In the Netherlands, tomato acreage is set to rise further in 2025, led by truss and cherry segments, while Belgian acreage declines. Prices at Belgian auctions stayed largely in line with the five-year average, with stable export flows to Spain. In Italy, Sicilian production has been strong, especially for cherry tomatoes, though prices remain low and barely cover costs. Wholesale market prices are relatively stable across varieties, with beefsteak and plum tomatoes showing the widest range. In Germany, domestic prices remain below average as supplies from the Netherlands, Belgium, and Poland exceed demand. Moroccan imports in small packages are selling well, while Turkish products have largely disappeared from the market. In Spain, the new tomato season begins with lower volumes and reduced acreage, while prices remain supported by stable supply and reduced disease pressure. In France, the tomato market is under pressure as weak consumption keeps prices at unprofitable levels for producers. Click here to read full article.

BUSA Cargo Movement Report 

This update provides a consolidated overview of the South African logistics network and the current state of international trade. At our container terminals, an average of 13 426 TEUs was handled daily, a decrease from 14 727 TEUs the previous week. Decreased throughput could partly be attributed to the fact that port operations were troubled by inclement weather and equipment challenges. Adverse weather and equipment challenges proved to be the main operational constraints in Cape Town, while a power failure, equipment breakdowns, as well as dredging and sounding operations prevented optimal operational performance in Durban. Inclement weather ensured operational delays at our Eastern Cape Ports; however, minimal delays were reported at the Port of Richards Bay this week. After earlier reports that the Maersk Cap Carmel would omit the Port of PE, her call has been reinstated. The same reports suggest that the CMA CGM Mekong 536N will omit her Port Louis East Bound call. The latest reports from TFR suggest that cable theft delayed operations on the Central Corridor, near Pretoria, this week. Additionally, the line between City Deep and Mafikeng is currently experiencing severe delays of 3-5 days due to a shortage of diesel locomotives on the line. Click here to read full article.

MEMBERS' NEWS

Agbiz seeking Head: Strategic Projects

Agbiz would like to invite dynamic and suitably qualified individuals to apply for the position of Head: Strategic Projects. This is a strategically significant post that reports to the CEO. The Head: Strategic Projects leads Agbiz’s work on high-impact, cross-cutting initiatives that support the transformation, competitiveness, and sustainability of the agribusiness sector. This position is responsible for the identification, development, coordination, and execution of special projects, often in partnership with member organisations, government departments, industry associations, and external experts. The role contributes directly to Agbiz’s advocacy and visibility by managing strategic initiatives, responding to national sectoral developments, and supporting the CEO in implementing Agbiz’s mission. Click here to learn more. 

Get the latest news from the FPEF

In the latest edition of Keeping it Fresh, the Fresh Produce Exporter's Forum (FPEF)'s newsletter, you will get a summary of the most pertinent information as well as reminders of important upcoming events. Please click here to peruse.

SAPPO domestic carcass price statistics 

Increased producer prices and decreased yellow maize prices during week 37. During week 37 of 2025, the pork producer price averaged R35,24/kg, 0,24% higher than the previous week. The yellow maize price averaged R3 644/t, 1,2% lower than the previous week. Producer prices in relation to yellow maize prices averaged 9,7, 1,5% higher than the previous week. Click here to read full.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Agbiz Media Day WC

23 October 2025 | Elsenburg, WC

Learn more


International Blueberry Organisation Summit

25 – 27 September 2025 | CTICC, Cape Town

Learn more


AgriSA ATLAS Congress

15 October 2025 | Choose Life Church, Moreleta Park

Learn more

AGBIZ MEMBERSHIP
Why join Agbiz?
  • Agbiz is the only organisation that serves the broader and common over-arching business interests of agribusinesses in South Africa.
  • Agbiz addresses the legislative and policy environment on the many fronts that it impacts on the agribusiness environment.
  • Agbiz facilitates considerable top-level networking opportunities so that South African agribusinesses can play an active and creative role within the local and international organised business environment.
  • Agbiz research provides sector-specific information for informed decision-making.
  • Agbiz newsletter publishes members' press releases and member product announcements.

Please visit the Agbiz website for more information

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