Last year, there was a 4% increase in the number of agricultural products supplied to foreign nations.
According to a report by the Agricultural Business Chamber, despite the numerous issues that farmers face, demand for these products has surged.
The most often exported goods from South Africa include maize, wine, grapes, oranges, nuts, apples, pears, sugar, avocados, and products made of wool.
After an increase in demand in those nations, these products are shipped to various markets throughout the world.
According to Agbiz, 37% of these products are exported to African nations.
By 2022, 27% of South African exports were purchased in Asia. The average purchase in Europe was 19%.
According to Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist of Agbiz, there is potential for even more development in the export of goods to other countries.
“A lot of maize is exported to African and Asian countries, while fruit products are exported to other areas of the world,” said Sihlobo.
In comparison to their white counterparts, Black farmers developing in agriculture do not have as much opportunity to export their products to countries throughout the world.
“Logistical issues at the port of Cape Town have hindered the shipment of wine and some fruits to the rest of the world,” Sihlobo explained.
He does, however, commend the cooperation that has developed between farmers and government officials.
“Transnet and the farmers’ collaboration helped to lessen the obstacles, and the communication was opened, as a consequence of which the cargos moved,” applauded Sihlobo.
According to reports, over the past year, the Port of Durban has experienced the most issues, particularly in relation to the transportation of orange cargo.
While 70% of wool is purchased by China, a significant portion of orange products are purchased by Europe.
“South Africa exported a variety of products to Europe last year, including wheat, chicken meat, and wine,” said Sihlobo.
Paul Makhube is an agricultural economist at First National Bank.
“In a year full of issues and challenges that made work difficult, agriculture in this country shown grandeur by continuing to export various products to countries all over the world,” said Makhube.
According to Makhube, there is potential for a rise in the volume of goods exported to other countries in the fiscal year 2022/2023.
“Thanks to the decrease in shipping costs, it is projected that the number of items shipped to the rest of the globe would increase this fiscal year,” Makhube added.
Naliya Stamper, the port manager for East London, reports that a facility for the export of wheat and maize has been established there.
“We reopened after being closed for two years due to a drop in the level of product shipments to countries all over the world,” Stamper explained.
At his State of the Nation Address, President Cyril Ramaphosa hailed the growth and strength of the nation’s exports.
“Despite the fact that our farmers face numerous challenges, agricultural products are performing well over the world,” he remarked.
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