South Africa’s agricultural exports to the United States climbed 26% in the second quarter, supported by strong harvests, Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen said on Monday.
But a 30% tariff introduced by President Donald Trump could hinder future shipments, Reuters reported.
South Africa is pushing for reduced tariffs in a proposed trade agreement with the U.S., after being assigned the highest rate in Sub-Saharan Africa.
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The United States is South Africa’s second-largest bilateral trading partner after China. Key exports to the American market include citrus, grapes, apples, pears, nuts and wine.
Officials have cautioned that tens of thousands of agricultural jobs may be lost if tariffs continue to pressure the sector.
“The recent imposition of a 30% tariff on our exports by the United States has brought to light the urgent need to diversify our export markets and enhance our competitiveness to mitigate the economic impact of losing preferential trade access,” Steenhuisen said in a statement.
He added that agricultural exports to the U.S. in the first quarter of 2025 were valued at $118 million, a 19% increase from the same period a year earlier.
Total exports in the second quarter stood at $161 million.
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Image Credit: Reuters
