Since the Group of Twenty’s foundational Pittsburgh conference in 2009, progress toward its goal of strong, sustainable, balanced, and inclusive growth has been modest. While G20 economies have shown remarkable resilience in navigating multiple shocks, medium-term growth prospects have moderated to just 2.9 percent, the weakest since the global financial crisis. At the same time, disinflation remains incomplete for many, and public debt rose to a record 102 percent of GDP last year. Furthermore, excessive external imbalances are widening again. Still, there are encouraging signs. Our latest annual report to the group—whose members account for about 85 percent of global economic output—points to some positive developments over the past year. A survey of IMF country teams indicates that many G20 economies made progress toward stronger growth, including more than half of emerging market economies. Improvement has been substantial in some cases, such as Germany, where growth momentum was supported by reforms to fiscal rules. Click here to read full article.

In her fury, Mother Nature is supremely impartial. Since 1960, natural disasters have struck high-income countries at roughly the same rate as low- and middle-income countries. The disparities lie simply in the consequences: the wealthiest economies bounce back swiftly, while the poorest suffer acutely. For poorer countries, the death toll of each disaster can be six times as high, and the economic damage can persist for decades. Climate change has widened the gap in countries’ ability to recover. Between May 2023 and May 2024, people endured an average of 26 more days of stifling-hot weather than they would have without climate change. Rising temperatures impede progress on nearly all fronts: they jack up mortality rates, depress children’s math and reading scores, and shrink the productivity of businesses and workers. A reckoning therefore awaits many low- and middle-income countries: unless they step up efforts to adapt, studies show rising global temperatures could slash the economic potential of nations in Africa and Latin America by as much as 15 percent. Success in adaptation will depend on policies that put individuals, households, farms, and firms in the driver’s seat. Click here to read full article.

Over the past six months the realignment of global priorities and increasingly turbulent external conditions have continued to test sub-Saharan Africa. Yet the region’s economies are proving resilient. As our recent economic outlook for the region shows, economic growth is projected to hold steady at 4.1 percent this year, with a modest pickup to 4.4 next year. Such steadiness reflects years of important reform efforts across key economies. The region is home to several of the world’s fastest growing economies—Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Uganda. Yet, resource-dependent and conflict-affected states are struggling to sustain momentum. For them, gains in income per person remain modest—around 1 percent a year on average, and less in the poorest countries. This divergence is partly a result of commodity markets pulling in different directions: oil prices slid since April, while cocoa, coffee, copper, and gold prices are up. Countries are also facing high borrowing costs, though lower than earlier this year. Angola, Kenya, Nigeria and the Republic of Congo recently returned to the international bond market. Click here to read full article.

Governments across both advanced and emerging market economies have increasingly rolled out new support for targeted companies and industries over the past decade and a half. Industrial policy, as it’s known, is used for a range of goals, including to boost productivity growth, protect manufacturing jobs, improve self-dependence and the resilience of supply chains, and develop “infant” industries to diversify the economy. In the energy sector, for example, some countries have used industrial policy to reduce dependence on imported oil and gas. Such policies can help jump-start domestic industries and transform the structure of an economy. But gains are not guaranteed and can come with costs—both to government budgets and economic efficiency, as we show in an analytical chapter of the latest World Economic Outlook. Industrial policies involve trade-offs that countries should consider, according to our research using economic models, case studies, and empirical analyses. Click here to read full article. 

Following earlier presentations to the portfolio committee on agricultural remedies where calls were made for the banning of certain remedies, Agbiz had requested an opportunity in August of 2025 already to also present to the portfolio committee. The request was granted in November and on 25 November Annelize Crosby, on behalf of Agbiz and assisted by Roleen la Grange from Croplife SA, Willie Jacobs from Potatoes SA, Paula Bester from CGA and Corné Louw from Grain SA engaged with the portfolio committee members on the importance of agricultural remedies and the responsible use and regulation thereof. In its presentation, Agbiz alluded to the fact that Modern agricultural production systems rely on access to safe, regulated agricultural inputs - including pesticides - to ensure viable crop yields and safeguard national food security. The agricultural industry is committed to safe, responsible agro-remedy use; science-based regulation; and sustainable agricultural practices. Industry also supports continued stewardship, and the alignment with international best practices while safeguarding long-term sustainability of agricultural production systems. Click here to read full article by Annelize Crosby, Legal Intelligence Manager, Agbiz. 

South Africa’s agricultural sector has recently come under international scrutiny, with US President Donald Trump saying we are under siege. In this episode, Wandile Sihlobo unpacks the realities behind the headlines: yes, crime, stock theft, animal diseases and municipal failures create real pressure for farmers — but the idea that agriculture is “under siege” is misleading. He explores the sector’s resilience, the ongoing commitment of farmers and the need for the government, organised agriculture and communities to work together to improve safety and reduce operational inefficiencies. Looking at the long-term picture, the episode highlights how South African agriculture has more than doubled in value since the dawn of democracy, driven by technology adoption, strong private sector investment and periods of effective government support. Watch here.

Domestic policies generally guide agricultural developments here at home. That said, gatherings such as this past weekend's G20 Summit always provide an opportunity to mobilize support and generate global policy discourse around particular issues. These gatherings also provide an opportunity for policymakers and business leaders to connect with other countries and strengthen ties. This was particularly the approach of South Africa at the G20 Summit. For example, the South Africa–European Union (SA-EU) Bilateral Summit on November 20, emphasized the need for cooperation, investment and deepening trade. Various agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) were signed, including those on critical minerals and energy. For us in agriculture, deepening relations with the EU, one of our most important export markets, is key to the long-term growth of the sector in this fractured global trade order. While South Africa has faced challenges across various sectors, including citrus, poultry, and beverages, the EU remains one of its critical trading partners. In 2024, the EU was South Africa's third-largest agricultural market, accounting for 19% of our US$13.7 billion in exports.  Click here to read full article.

South Africa's consumer food price inflation slowed for the third consecutive month, easing at 3.9% in October 2025, from 4.4% in the previous months. The primary drivers of the deceleration were mainly fruit and nuts, vegetables, meat, sugar, confectionery and desserts. The ample supplies, combined with the base effects, are what contribute to the easing of price inflation in these products. Moreover, while modestly up from the previous reading, the cereal products inflation also remains relatively low on the back of the ample grain harvest in the country. The challenge of foot-and-mouth disease in South Africa is not over and continues to put pressure on farmers, even as vaccination is still underway. Typically, during foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks, the country is temporarily closed to some export markets, leading to a drop in consumer prices. But this year we saw the opposite. Initially, panic buying driven by retailers' announcements, rather than a product shortage, was the main driver of meat prices, combined with buoyant consumer demand. We now see an easing of these upward price pressures. Click here to read full article.

A MAJOR POLICY STEP JUST HAPPENED. South Africa’s Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, has just announced that South Africa will now vaccinate the entire national cattle herd for Foot and Mouth Disease. We are at the African Farmers Association of South Africa’s Conference, north of Pretoria, and he just made the announcement here. What follows are my initial thoughts and reflections on this as I sit here in the conference hall. The industry is at a crisis level, struggling to control the foot and mouth disease, and this step of vaccinating the national herd is a response to this challenge. We have a national herd of around 7.2 million cattle. This means vaccinating all these cattle will be a massive undertaking. Still, this decision is courageous, as it ensures that South Africa protects its cattle herd and can continue its red meat export focus. The challenge now will be the logistics of this work, as well as reengaging the markets we export to about the step South Africa is taking at the moment. Another vital issue is the sourcing of the necessary vaccines.  Click here to read full article.

The G20 leaders' Declaration placed an essential focus on agriculture, recognising the role the sector plays in strengthening global food security. On this, the G20 Leaders Declaration correctly states that: "We therefore reiterate our commitment to ensuring resilient and sustainable food systems and food security through open and non-discriminatory trade policies consistent with WTO rules." The Declaration further adds that: "We note that modernising agriculture and food system's resilience can be enhanced through land, soil biodiversity, energy and water management, reducing food waste, adaptation and mitigation, support for sustainable technologies, innovations and approaches and investment in smallholder and family farmers while promoting the inclusion and the empowerment of women and youth, strengthening local food production, resilient and improved food value chains..." This is a bold and welcome statement affirming commitments to the WTO rules in global agriculture. Click here to read full article.

I have noticed in the news that United States Senator John Kennedy has introduced a new bill to extend the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) for two years, which would explicitly exclude South Africa. This matters for South Africa’s agriculture, as we all continue to seek better relations with the U.S. The U.S. remains an important market for our agricultural exports, accounting for approximately 4% of South Africa’s total agricultural exports, valued at U.S.$13.7 billion in 2024. The exports were also strong in the first two quarters of this year. Even after the Liberation Day Tariffs were announced, some exporters took advantage of the 90-day pause on the higher tariffs and exported more volume than usual during the second quarter of the year. In fact, in the second quarter of 2025, South Africa’s agricultural exports to the U.S. increased by 26% to US$161 million. It was only in the third quarter that we saw some cooling in exports. Notably, South Africa’s agricultural exports to the U.S. decreased by 11% in the third quarter of 2025, compared to the same period a year ago, at US$144 million. Click here to read full article.

The continuous momentum of South Africa in deepening relations with various countries is something we appreciate in agriculture. We view these engagements as key to investments and export expansion. The efforts of South Africa’s Department of Agriculture in signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Socialist Republic of Vietnam on November 21, 2025, are one such effort. The MoU focuses on expanded cooperation in crop production, plant protection, animal husbandry, veterinary services, research, development, technology transfer and agricultural trade. These are all key areas for our farming sector. Admittedly, the MoUs won’t lead to sudden changes or the opening of markets; trade agreements are needed for that. Still, they help maintain close relationships and collaboration, which is key to the establishment of trade agreements at a, hopefully, not distant future. Collaborating with Vietnam is also a good choice for our needs. You see, Vietnam is a market we keep on our radar in agriculture. The country spends over US$30 billion on agricultural imports annually. Click here to read full article.

The advantage of hosting global events such as the G20 is the possibility for the host country to engage as many visitors as possible. On November 21, 2025, the South African leadership met with the Australian government for a broader conversation and deepening relations. We do not typically think of Australia when we think of trade in South African agriculture. However, we have decent trade in other sectors, such as the automotive industry, and investments across the economy. Our agricultural sectors are more similar. Still, there remains much room for collaboration between our countries in a range of areas that could further boost our agricultural sectors. What follows are some broad thoughts about some aspects we could work on collectively with Australia. One area we can draw on from the Australian experience, which is urgent for us in South Africa, is biosecurity. We are currently struggling with foot-and-mouth disease in South Africa’s livestock industry, and a collaboration with Australia in this area would be valuable. Click here to read full article. 

Last night, as I landed from Cape Town, one of the notes in my inbox was a statement from South Africa’s Department of Agriculture outlining the work it is doing to modernise the Act that governs the registration of pesticides, fertilisers and farm feeds. We welcome the work the department is doing, and one can only urge for greater speed in it. For readers who haven’t been monitoring these issues, the one thing to emphasise is that, in South Africa, we have relied on improved seed cultivars, better genetics, and other inputs to support the growth and expansion of our agricultural sector. Farmers’ willingness to pay and apply the inputs has been key, along with the government’s progressiveness in registering new inputs, particularly from the early 2000s. And yes, these are all safe products intended to boost agricultural output and ultimately support our food security. The piece of legislation that facilitates such registration is Act 36 of 1947 (the Fertilisers, Farm Feeds, Agricultural Remedies and Stock Remedies Act). It has faced some challenges in recent years, necessitating modernisation to enhance efficiency and boost capacity within the unit that administers it. Click here to read full article.

About 720 million people continued to experience hunger in 2024, and 2.6 billion people were unable to afford healthy diets. It is this reality that compelled the G20 Leaders’ Declaration in Johannesburg to correctly shine a spotlight on global food insecurity challenges. Countries can explore many interventions to resolve this challenge, from improving agricultural productivity to easing trade. Listen to the podcast here.

South Africa’s maize exports continue smoothly, supported by robust global demand and improved domestic port operations. Since the start of the 2025-26 marketing year in May 2025, South Africa has exported maize to a range of countries, including South Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, Mozambique, Botswana, Lesotho, France, and Zimbabwe, amongst others. But Zimbabwe has been a major buyer of maize from South Africa. Of the 1.01 million tonnes exported so far, 28% went to Zimbabwe, while other countries accounted for modest shares. Zimbabwe will likely remain a major maize buyer, as we anticipate it will need to import about 700,000 tonnes in the 2025-26 marketing year to meet the annual consumption of 2.0 million tonnes. Listen to the podcast here.

This remains a busy time for South Africa’s winter crop farmers. The wheat harvest is progressing across the country, mainly in the Western Cape, a province that produces over half of South Africa’s wheat. If we consider South Africa’s 2025-26 winter wheat season, which began at the start of October, the harvest progress is encouraging. We are seeing farmers moving quickly to deliver the new season’s crop to commercial silos. Remember, this is a crop that was planted from the start of May. In the first seven weeks of this 2026-27 marketing year, farmers have delivered about 834,769 tonnes of wheat to commercial silos. These are still early days, and the harvest is expected to gain momentum in the coming months. Listen to the podcast here.

Grain storage has always been central to food security. From ancient methods designed to prevent spoilage to the massive silos that now dot South Africa’s landscape, the evolution of storage systems tells a story of innovation. Following the Anglo-Boer War of 1899 to 1902, South Africa’s grain production was modest. Bulk handling systems had not yet been introduced, and grain was transported and stored in bags. At the beginning of the 20th century a few milling companies offered limited facilities for storing raw grain and flour. Due to production constraints and the lack of adequate storage infrastructure, the country relied heavily on imported grain, especially wheat. The formation of the Union of South Africa in 1910 marked a turning point. Commercial agriculture began to expand, with a notable surge in grain production, especially maize. Until the 1940s, however, grain continued to be packed in bag stacks, typically covered with large tarpaulins for protection. After World War II, grain production in South Africa grew rapidly, especially in the western regions. Yet, the shortage and high cost of hessian grain bags exposed the inefficiencies of the bagged storage system. This challenge underscored the need for silos that could enable bulk handling, greater control and flexibility, and limit losses caused by weather, poor temperature control, spoilage, and pests. Click here to read full article by Carin Venter, Plaas Media for Agbiz Grain Quarterly. 

It has been a turbulent year for South Africa’s grain and oilseeds industry, traders included. Misaligned crop estimates, local quality concerns, frustrations with the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), and the ripple effects of the United States (US) president Donald Trump’s trade tariffs on global markets were among the many challenges the sector faced in 2025. These issues were unpacked by Dr Konrad Keyser, chairperson of the South African Cereals and Oilseeds Trade Association (Sacota), during the association’s annual general meeting, held on 18 September at the Centurion Residential Estate and Country Club in Pretoria. New members that joined during the previous financial year include Chester Africa (international), Perdigon (local), and associate members Steinweg Bridge and Land Bank. Since 1 July this year, Invictus Trading and Nu-Pro Commodities have also come on board. Dr Keyser stated that broadening representation within the trading community remains a key priority for Sacota. The organisation remains focussed on expanding its membership. One of the toughest aspects this year was grappling with crop estimates that turned out to be far off the mark. Click here to read full article by Susan Marais, Plaas Media for Agbiz Grain Quarterly.

Leaders of the European Union (EU) and the African Union (AU) member states met in Luanda, Angola for the seventh EU-AU summit under the theme ‘Promoting peace and prosperity through effective multilateralism’. The summit, marking 25 years of EU-AU partnership as well as 50 years of independence for Angola and several other African countries, was co-chaired by the President of Angola, João Lourenço, and the President of the European Council, António Costa. The EU was represented by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the AU by H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, the Chair of the African Union Commission. The EU-AU partnership has a clear purpose: to strengthen and enrich the bond between our people. To make our natural connection even stronger. So that we can grow together and protect each other. Leaders issued a joint declaration at the end of the summit. We celebrate a unique and strategic partnership that has steadily deepened in scope, ambition, and political significance as reflected in the remarkably strong institutional, trade and investment and people-to-people ties between the two continents. Click here to read full article. Click here to read Remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the 7th African Union-European Union Summit. 

Disasters have inflicted an estimated $3.26 trillion in agricultural losses worldwide over the past 33 years – an average of $99 billion annually, roughly 4 percent of global agricultural GDP – according to a new report by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The Impact of Disasters on Agriculture and Food Security 2025 highlights how digital technologies are transforming how farmers, governments and communities can monitor risks, anticipate impacts, and protect livelihoods. The report provides the most comprehensive global assessment to date of how disasters – from droughts and floods to pests and marine heatwaves – are disrupting food production, livelihoods and nutrition. It also demonstrates how digital innovations are shifting agrifood systems from reactive crisis management to proactive data-driven resilience-building. “Digital technologies are already revolutionizing how we monitor risks, deliver early warnings and support farmers’ decision-making. From the 9.1 million farmers now accessing parametric insurance through digital platforms to the communities using our early warning systems to evacuate 90 percent of at-risk populations before disasters strike. Click here to read full article.

The Agricultural Business Chamber (Agbiz) attended the 2025 B20 Conference, where global leaders, policy experts, and private-sector executives gathered to confront one of the world’s most critical challenges: securing food, energy, and fibre systems in an era marked by instability, amongst many other issues. The Business 20 (B20) serves as the official G20 dialogue forum with the global business community. Established in 2010, the B20 is one of the most influential G20 Engagement Groups, bringing together business leaders from G20 member countries and beyond. Each year, the B20 provides a platform for companies and business organisations to share their perspectives on pressing global economic and trade issues, ensuring that the voice of the business community is heard at the highest levels of international economic governance. Through this platform, the B20 works to foster consensus among businesses, set priorities on global economic policies, and deliver actionable recommendations to the G20. Click here to read full article.

The G20 Leaders’ Declaration included concerns about food insecurity, but they ring hollow against the backdrop of mounting aid cuts by some of the signatories, as well as the absent US. “We recognise the fundamental right of everyone to be free from hunger and we affirm that political will to create the conditions to expand access and affordability to safe, healthy and nutritious food is needed,” reads the declaration. “We therefore reiterate our commitment to ensuring resilient and sustainable food systems and food security through open and non-discriminatory trade policies consistent with WTO [World Trade Organization] rules.” The spectre of hunger — and in extreme cases starvation — still haunts even fertile lands, and it has many causes, including climate change, conflict, the persistence of rain-fed subsistence farming in much of Africa and other developing regions, and the linked fate of poverty. “While we welcome progress made in reducing hunger in the world, we are still alarmed that up to 720 million people continued to experience hunger in 2024 and that 2.6 billion people were unable to afford healthy diets,” says the declaration. Click here to read full article.

Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, acknowledged the immense hardship facing farmers across the country as they continue to battle one of the most persistent and damaging waves of Foot and mouth disease (FMD) the country has seen in decades. The minister emphasised that he hears the cries of farmers, mostly dairy farmers in KwaZulu-Natal, who have suffered losses, movement restrictions and severe disruptions to their livelihoods, particularly in districts such as Kokstad, Dundee, Underberg and Dannhauser, where new cases continue to emerge. “As minister, I want our farmers to know that I see the impact this outbreak is having on their families, their businesses and their communities. I understand their frustration, and I share their determination to end this crisis,” he said. As of November 2025, KwaZulu-Natal remains the epicentre of FMD, with 180 of the 274 unresolved outbreaks reported nationally. Despite the vaccination of 931 200 animals with government-procured vaccine stocks over the last three months, uncontrolled animal movement continues to undermine containment efforts and prolongs the crisis. Click here to read full article.

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 10 437 TEUs was handled daily, a decrease from 11 150 TEUs the previous week. Inclement weather, vacant berths, and equipment challenges mainly characterised port operations. Over 20 operational hours were conceded at the Port of Cape Town this week due to adverse weather conditions, as equipment challenges and bad weather prevented optimal operational performance in Durban. Inclement weather, vacant berths, and high swells ensured operational disruptions at our Eastern Cape Ports, while marine equipment challenges proved to be the main operational constraint at the Port of Richards Bay. The latest reports from TFR suggest that locomotive issues created some delays on the ConCor line between Johannesburg and Durban this week. Additionally, annual maintenance on the ConCor is scheduled to commence on Tuesday, 18 November. Further, trains on the line between City Deep and Mafikeng started moving quickly this week after the bottlenecks experienced on the line last week. The latest Southern Africa terminal and service update for week 46 provides good reading for most of our major South African terminals. Click here to read full report.

South Africa's agricultural exports reached US$11.7 billion in the first three quarters of 2025, according to the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa. This represents a 10 per cent increase from the same period in 2024. Third-quarter exports totalled US$4.7 billion, up 13 per cent year-on-year, supported by higher export volumes and firm commodity prices. Fruit and vegetable exports continued to dominate the country's horticultural mix, including citrus, nuts, apples, pears, fruit juices, berries, grapes, pineapples, and avocados. Agbiz chief economist Wandile Sihlobo said port performance has shown improvement. "Although there remains a need for further improvement in port efficiency, we have witnessed a notable improvement compared to recent months," he said. Africa remained South Africa's largest regional market, taking 34 per cent of agricultural exports in the third quarter. Key horticultural products included apples, pears, fruit juices, wine, nuts, and live animals. Asia and the Middle East accounted for 25 per cent of exports, with citrus, nuts, apples, pears, berries, grapes, stone fruit, and avocados among the leading products. Click here to read full article. 

South Africa’s ambitions to deepen its agricultural footprint in Asia have taken a decisive step as agriculture minister John Steenhuisen formally announced a new co-operation agreement with Vietnam, one of the region’s fastest-growing markets. The agreement unlocks new export pathways and scientific collaboration in crop production, plant protection, veterinary services, research, agricultural trade and technology exchange. “This is part of our ongoing strategy of widening and deepening our existing trade arrangements with other countries … and then looking to diversify,” Steenhuisen told Business Day. Vietnam opened its borders to South African oranges in May 2024. In the 2025 season alone, South Africa exported more than 209,000 15kg cartons of oranges to Vietnam, a fourfold increase from the 53,000 cartons shipped the year before. Following the success of oranges, South Africa is now pushing for greater access for other citrus products, especially mandarins, according to the department of agriculture, land reform & rural development. It already exports maize, apples, pears and grapes to Vietnam. Click here to read full article. 

Global mandarin and clementine markets are moving through mixed conditions this season, with countries reporting challenges linked to weather, shifting demand patterns, market competition, and changing trade dynamics. Italian clementine production is stable but facing climatic challenges that have reduced yields in some regions. Spain is managing later ripening and overlap with Southern Hemisphere supply, pressuring early varieties. The Netherlands reports improving demand after a slow period. Greece is progressing with steady volumes and good quality despite drought-affected areas. The German citrus market is currently dominated by Spanish clementine and satsuma shipments, with steady demand supported by cooler autumn weather. France reports a firm start to the clementine season, with strong early demand driven by high-quality fruit from Spain, Italy, and Corsica. North America notes temporary harvest delays in California due to rain, but steady demand and good sizing. South Africa has completed a larger mandarin export season, navigating market shifts and oversupply. Egypt reports higher mandarin volumes this season, with larger sizes and a slow start influenced by continued weakness in the Russian market. Click here to read full article.

The Citrus Growers' Association of Southern Africa (CGA) has reported the passing of Deon Joubert, who served as the organisation's European Union Special Envoy since 2014. Joubert died at the age of 68 following complications after a medical procedure. According to the CGA, family members were with him at the time. Joubert had been a central figure in South Africa's fruit sector for several decades. Trained as an agricultural economist and known for his work in trade, he was active in areas related to market access, export development, and supply chain logistics. Prior to joining the CGA, he served in roles across government and the private sector, including as South Africa's agricultural attaché in Brussels and as general manager for fruit logistics at Capespan. Throughout his career, Joubert was involved in building relationships between growers and international trading partners. His work in trade policy and export processes made him a frequent point of reference for industry stakeholders. In a statement, CGA chief executive Dr Boitshoko Ntshabele noted Joubert's long involvement in the fruit industry and the extent of his professional network. The association conveyed condolences to Joubert's family. Derived from freshplaza.com.

South Africa's 2025 table grape season continued to build momentum by Week 46, with packing underway in the Northern Provinces and the Orange River. Although overall export volumes remained below last year's levels, packing volumes were higher. By Week 46, 958,421 cartons had been inspected for export, a 24 per cent increase compared with the same period last year, while 29,320 cartons had been exported, which was 80 per cent lower year on year. All production regions reported that it was still early in the season but maintained their crop estimates, noting that favourable conditions could support meeting or surpassing initial forecasts. The national crop estimate remains 79.4 million cartons, 0.6 per cent higher than last season's actual export figure. Early Sweet®, Starlight, and Prime were the leading exported varieties, with most volumes bound for the EU. Early-season wind and fog caused 193 hours of delays at Cape Town Container Terminal during November's first three weeks, underscoring the need for improved wind-recovery processes. National inspection volumes reached 958,420 cartons by Week 46, up from 770,225 last year. Click here to read full article.

The US’s strong demand for South African table grapes is reflected in a sharp rise in South Africa’s exports to the US, which jumped by 65% between the 2023/24 and 2024/25 export seasons, from 1,3 million 4,5kg cartons (6 000t) to 2,2 million cartons (9 900t). The South African Table Grape Industry (SATI) noted in a statement that table grapes were not exempted from severe import tariffs included in US President Donald Trump’s latest revision of reciprocal tariffs, announced on 14 November. “We welcome any movement towards tariff reduction. However, it is disappointing that table grapes were excluded from the list of exempted products, given the US’s reliance on imported grapes,” Mecia Petersen, SATI CEO, said. “Our industry is committed to supplying high-quality fruit to global markets, including the US, and we strongly believe South Africa should be afforded fair and equal treatment alongside other Southern Hemisphere suppliers, who currently enjoy reciprocal tariff rates much lower than South Africa’s.” By volume, South Africa is the fourth-largest exporter of table grapes globally and the third-largest in the Southern Hemisphere, having exported around 400 000t in 2024. Click here to read full article.

South Africa’s agricultural sector continued its strong export performance in 2025, defying global trade uncertainty and shifting policy environments, according to the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz). The country’s agricultural exports reached $11.7 billion (R189 billion) in the first three quarters of the year — a 10% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Agbiz chief economist Wandile Sihlobo said third-quarter exports alone totalled $4.7bn (R68bn), up 13% year-on-year, driven by higher export volumes and firm commodity prices. South Africa’s export mix remained diverse, led by citrus, nuts, apples, pears, maize, wine, sugar, fruit juices, berries, grapes, pineapples, avocados and soybeans. Improved port performance — despite ongoing challenges — also helped sustain the flow of agricultural goods out of the country. Sihlobo noted that operational improvements at key ports were noticeable over recent months, coinciding with ongoing reforms across South Africa’s network industries. Click here to read full article.

Agbiz invites dynamic and suitably qualified individuals to apply for the position of Legal Intelligence Specialist, a new and exciting opportunity within our head office in Pretoria. Reporting to the Head: Legal Intelligence, this role is ideal for an emerging legal and policy professional looking to apply their expertise in a high-impact, sector-shaping environment. The Legal Intelligence Specialist plays a vital role in Agbiz’s policy advocacy work by translating legal knowledge into strategic legal intelligence. The position requires analysing draft legislation and government policies, assessing their relevance and impact on the agribusiness sector, and formulating evidence-based counter-proposals that support an enabling environment for agribusiness in South Africa. Click here to learn more.

Registration for the Agbiz Congress 2026 is now open. The event will take place from 3–5 June 2026 at the Boardwalk International Convention Centre in Gqeberha, with early bird rates available until 28 February 2026. The 2026 theme, “Embracing Collaboration,” reflects the sector’s growing need for unified, solutions-driven partnerships across the agricultural value chain. As South Africa faces continued global uncertainty, from shifting geopolitical dynamics and trade disruptions to climate pressures and biosecurity threats, collaboration remains essential for building a resilient, competitive agribusiness environment. Agbiz’s strategic intent remains centred on enabling South African agribusinesses to operate competitively and sustainably, both domestically and globally. In recent years, rapidly changing global conditions have underscored the importance of adaptability, system-wide cooperation, and shared problem-solving. The 2026 Congress will bring together senior leaders from agribusiness, government, finance, academia, development institutions, and organised agriculture to explore how collective action can drive sector growth, innovation, and long-term stability. Read more here. Visit the congress website here. 

Established in celebration of Agbiz members who have reached their centenary milestones, this bursary is dedicated to supporting the next generation of leaders in agribusiness. It provides an opportunity for South African master’s and PhD students in agribusiness management-related fields to further their studies and contribute to the future growth of the sector. If you’re passionate about advancing your academic journey and making an impact in agriculture and agribusiness, this opportunity is for you. Learn more and apply here. 

Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS) has announced the approval and funding of nine new research projects. Each project was developed through RMIS’s Field to Future framework, an industry-informed process to identify the real-world challenges faced by farmers, feedlots, abattoirs, and other value chain stakeholders. Field to Future also steers RMIS’s broader project portfolio, ensuring that every intervention is relevant, impactful, and fully aligned with the Red Meat Industry Strategy 2030. “Our research strategy is built on listening,” said Dewald Olivier, CEO of RMIS. “Every project is based on a practical challenge identified by the people who live and work within the red meat sector. This ensures our projects are relevant and positioned to deliver measurable results for the industry we serve.” Click here to read more. 

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.

The Citrus Growers' Association of Southern Africa (CGA), shares the latest news in the citrus industry in its weekly update, From the desk of the CEO. Please click here to peruse. 

Explore the latest developments in the South African wine industry. Click here to read latest issue and stay updated on key insights and upcoming events.

Agbiz Congress 2026

3 - 5 June 2026 | Boardwalk, Gqeberha

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World Conference of Science

1 – 5 December 2025 | CSIR ICC, Pretoria

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Agri-Data Revolution: Shaping Southern Africa’s Fresh Produce Future Summit 2026

17–18 March 2026 | Johannesburg, South Africa 

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GOSA Symposium 

24 - 25 March 2026 | Dias Hotel – Mossel Bay

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• 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.