South Africa’s table grape exports are projected to fall by 4% during the 2026/27 season, according to preliminary estimates from the South African Table Grape Industry (SATI). The forecast anticipates export volumes of 78.4 million 4.5kg-equivalent cartons, which is slightly above the five-year average by 1%.
Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist at Agbiz, highlighted that table grapes represented 8% of South Africa’s agricultural exports in 2025, valued at approximately $1.1 billion. The industry aims to expand its market access in Asia and the Middle East; however, purchasing power in those regions is currently lower compared to Europe and North America.
Export conditions may be impacted by South Africa’s ongoing eligibility under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa). A potential exclusion could lead to an increase in tariffs on exports to the United States, rising from 12.5% to 15.9%.
Port efficiency also poses challenges for exporters, particularly concerning delays at the Port of Cape Town. Recent disruptions caused by strong winds have forced some suppliers to reroute their shipments through the Eastern Cape, thus increasing transportation costs.
Despite the challenges, Dawie Maree of FNB Agriculture Marketing and Information reported that the 2026/27 season is progressing well, even following earlier flooding in the Western Cape.
