At the end of 2017, the exports of agricultural products generated a record figure of $10 billion. Compared to 2016’s figure ($8.6 billion), this represents an increase by about 16.3%.

According to Wandile Sihlobo, an economist at the agricultural business chamber (Agbiz), this upward trade trend is attributable to the surge in exports of fruits, vegetables, cereals, liquors and drinks.

The country mainly ships its items to Africa and Europe which captured 67% of the 2017 exports.

While the period under review’s export performance has enabled the country to record a positive agricultural balance of $3.3 billion in 2017, the outlooks for this year are less promising. Indeed, Sihlobo says that the drought hitting Western Cape could impact the total export value as table grapes and some vegetables could record a double-digit decline in the province. Furthermore, it should be noted that wheat imports are expected to increase this season as a result of lower cereal production in the Western Cape.

Espoir Olodo