• South Africa signs agri-cooperation deal with Brazil amid U.S. tariffs
• Pact aims to boost exports, share expertise, and expand markets
• U.S. took 66% of SA’s 2024 agri-exports to Americas
  

South Africa is seeking to expand its agricultural markets in Brazil, as the nation looks to diversify its export destinations and mitigate the impact of new U.S. tariffs.

John Steenhuisen, South Africa's Minister of Agriculture, signed a Memorandum of Intent (MoI) on Sept. 18 with Luiz De Alcantara Rua, Brazil’s Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock. The agreement, announced on the ministry’s website, aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the agricultural sector.

The partnership, forged on the sidelines of the G20 Agriculture Working Group Ministerial Meeting in the Western Cape province, outlines a framework for information and expertise sharing, technical visits, training programs, and joint conferences on sustainable agriculture, livestock, and quality assurance.

It also includes strategic trade facilitation measures, such as commercial missions and exhibitions, designed to generate new market opportunities for agricultural products. The ministry’s statement noted that the MoI will remain in effect for five years and will automatically renew for additional five-year periods unless either party terminates it. A joint working group will be established to identify priority areas and develop a detailed work plan for implementation.

While the move signals Pretoria's intent to deepen agricultural ties with Brazil, it could also help diversify its exports to the Americas, a region where the United States is currently the primary destination.

According to data from the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz), the country exported nearly $822 million in agricultural and food products to the Americas in 2024. Of that total, $548 million, or nearly 66%, went to the United States.

Diversifying away from the U.S. is becoming increasingly strategic for Pretoria, particularly since new 30% tariffs on South African products took effect in August, making them less competitive against those from rival countries.

Official data shows South Africa's agricultural exports to the U.S. primarily consist of citrus, grapes, wine, and fruit juices. In contrast, its exports to Brazil include vegetable seeds for sowing, liquors, cordials, wine, fresh grapes, and raisins.

The Americas' share of South Africa’s total agricultural exports remains relatively small compared to other regions. Agbiz data indicates that in 2024, the region accounted for just 6% of the value of South Africa's agricultural and food shipments, trailing Africa (44%), Asia (21%), and the European Union (19%).

Stephanas Assocle