South Africa’s agriculture sector emerged as the strongest performer in Q1 2025, posting a 15.8% growth—the highest of any economic sector—despite ongoing challenges from foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and avian influenza.
According to Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), the broader economy grew by just 0.1% quarter-on-quarter, with agriculture serving as the key driver of this limited expansion. Good rainfall contributed significantly to the sector’s success, with horticulture and animal products performing particularly well.
“Horticulture benefitted the most, but even livestock—despite disease pressures—showed resilience,” Stats SA noted.
Record Agricultural Exports
Supporting this momentum, the National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC) highlighted a new export record of US$13.7 billion (R251 billion) for South African agricultural products in 2024. In Q1 2025, agricultural exports rose 6% quarter-on-quarter to US$3.4 billion (R62 billion).
Top Q1 exports included:
-
Grapes (21% of export value)
-
Maize (7%)
-
Apples and pears (3% each)
-
Plums, wine, and greasy shorn wool (3% each)
Africa remained the top destination (45%), followed by the EU (23%) and Asia (16%).
“This robust export performance reinforces agriculture’s central role in stabilizing the economy,” said Dr. Solly Molepo, NAMC trade research manager.
Imports Decline
While exports surged, agricultural imports fell by 5% to US$1.9 billion (R35 billion). Key declines were seen in imports of apple juice, frozen poultry, and rice. Palm oil remained the top import (8% of total), despite an 8% drop in volume.
A Sector Under Pressure—But Still Resilient
The livestock industry continues to face headwinds due to ongoing disease outbreaks, yet the overall agricultural sector has proven to be a critical pillar of economic resilience.
Looking ahead, sector stakeholders say improved access to veterinary services, biosecurity investment, and market expansion—especially within Africa—will be vital to maintaining momentum.