• U.S. tariffs of 30% weaken South Africa’s macadamia competitiveness
• SAMAC calls for new Asian markets but many also impose high duties
• Industry employs nearly 50,000 people, vital to economy and exports

The main challenge for South Africa’s macadamia industry is its exports to the United States, according to Lizel Pretorius, chief executive of Macadamias South Africa (SAMAC). She spoke in an interview with African Farming published on September 14.

The U.S. accounts for about 20% of South African macadamia exports, making it the second largest market after China, official data show.

But the country’s competitiveness has declined since Washington imposed a 30% tariff on imports starting August 1, 2025. The measure favors competitors like Australia and Kenya, which face only a 10% tariff and are now better placed to supply U.S. buyers.

In this context, SAMAC suggests that the industry diversify toward Asian markets such as India, Japan, South Korea, and Middle Eastern countries to maintain its global role.

However, high tariffs are also an issue in most of these markets. In a report published in July, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) noted that South Africa faces duties of 12% in China, 30% in India, and 30% in South Korea, undermining the industry’s competitiveness.

“Since opening new markets can take years, I would ask the government to do everything possible to reduce tariffs on our macadamias. I would also urge it to prioritize market access and phytosanitary protocols in countries like India, South Korea, and Japan, which hold strong potential for export diversification,” Pretorius said.

South Africa is the world’s leading exporter of macadamias, with an average annual share of 41% of global exports over the past five years, USDA data show.

Global exports of macadamia nuts and almonds

With nearly 50,000 jobs tied to the industry, the competitiveness of the sector has major economic and social implications. Maintaining South Africa’s leadership will largely depend on the government’s ability to secure diplomatic wins to reduce tariffs in key markets.