South Africa’s agricultural sector has recorded a trade surplus of 2.14 billion US dollars in the second quarter of 2026, an 11.6% increase compared with the same period last year.

A joint report by AgriSA and the Agricultural Business Chamber (Agbiz) shows that agricultural exports reached 4.12 billion dollars between April and June, up 9.1% year-on-year.

Imports also increased, rising 6.4% to 1.98 billion dollars.

Horticulture was the biggest contributor to exports, accounting for 51.3% of the total, supported by the start of the citrus season and a significant increase in lemon exports.

Maize, raw cane sugar, sheep meat and tobacco also performed well, while livestock exports grew by 27.9% compared with the previous quarter.

The report highlights growing opportunities in new markets, with exports to Vietnam increasing by 153% year-on-year, Saudi Arabia by 90% and China by 30%.

However, the sector continues to face challenges, including South Africa’s ongoing foot-and-mouth disease outbreak, which has kept key markets, including China, closed to local red meat exports.

Port and rail inefficiencies and barriers to market access also remain concerns.

AgriSA CEO Johann Kotzé says the results show an industry adapting to a difficult global trading environment, but adds that addressing foot-and-mouth disease and logistical constraints will be crucial to sustaining export growth.

Africa and Europe together accounted for 70.7% of South Africa’s agricultural exports during the quarter, underlining the importance of expanding access to additional international markets.