Growth In South African Grapes Export Up To 25% Despite Tariff Uncertainty

USA and Canada have received premium quality table grapes from South Africa with an increase of 25% for 2024/2025, as reported by the South African Report. The number of cartons recorded was 7.4 million. There have been a lot of tariff tensions going on between the USA and other countries. A 10% tariff was imposed on all imports, including 30% on all South African goods, by America's President Donald Trump in April 2025.

The total growth in grape exports from South Africa to North America increased by 19%. That's annually more in the past five years. According to the Agri Western CEO, Jannie Strydom, witnessing such an increase in grape export has encouraged the industry to prosper even in the presence of tariff uncertainties. A growth is also expected in the USA demand for South African grapes. It is not only beneficial for them but for the US as the tariff negotiations are happening. According to the South African Table Grape Industry, the total exports to the US were 3% of total exports made in 2.2 million 4.5 kg cartons. The EU and UK have received 18% of exports. Mecia Peterson, SATI CEO, stated that the unfair tariffs are affecting local producers like Peru and Chile. He also mentioned that making a market entry can be too time-consuming and could take many years, and looking for alternative markets to increase volume to the US is not a great solution. Wandile Sihlobo an, Agricultural economist, said that South Africa needs to focus on growing potential work on improving the current export relationships, and seek more improvement with diversification. He also focused on the side effects of tariffs and their risk to grapes and citrus exports.