Despite ongoing disruptions caused by foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and avian influenza, South Africa’s agriculture sector has proven itself a vital economic pillar. In the first quarter (Q1) of 2025, the sector not only withstood biological shocks but outperformed all others, recording the highest growth rate in the country’s otherwise stagnant economy. According to data released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), the national economy grew by a modest 0.1% quarter-on-quarter (seasonally adjusted). That marginal growth was buoyed almost entirely by agriculture, which posted an impressive 15.8% rise in gross domestic product (GDP).
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Stats SA noted that favourable weather conditions played a crucial role in this performance, particularly benefiting horticulture. “Good rains contributed to the [agriculture sector’s] fortunes, with horticulture benefitting the most. Animal products also fared well,” the agency reported. This growth comes despite significant strain on the livestock subsector due to FMD and avian influenza outbreaks, which continued to affect production and trade.
Further bolstering agriculture’s economic contribution was South Africa’s robust export performance. In its latest quarterly commentary, the National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC) reaffirmed the sector’s role in sustaining national trade. “Over the previous year, South Africa maintained its robust export growth of agricultural products in international markets, reaching a new record of US$13.7 billion [around R251 billion] in 2024,” said Dr Solly Molepo, manager of trade research at the NAMC.
Dr Molepo highlighted that exports in Q1 2025 alone rose by 6% from the previous quarter, reaching US$3.4 billion (R62 billion). Grapes topped the list, making up 21% of the total agricultural export value. Other major contributors included maize (7%), apples and pears (3% each), plums (3%), wine (3%), and greasy shorn wool (3%). Africa remained the top export destination, accounting for 45% of South Africa’s agricultural exports, followed by the European Union (23%) and Asia (16%).
On the import side, there was a notable decline. Agricultural imports dropped by 5% to US$1.9 billion (R35 billion), with reductions seen in key products such as apple juice, frozen poultry, and rice. “Palm oil remained the top import [at 8% of total imports], despite an 8% drop,” Molepo added.
The strong showing by agriculture offers a glimmer of hope for South Africa’s economy and underlines the sector’s resilience in the face of adversity. While biological threats like FMD and avian influenza remain serious concerns, the sector’s capacity to adapt, grow, and maintain international competitiveness makes it a cornerstone of national recovery and future growth.