The South African Table Grape Industry (SATI) has expressed serious concern over the potential impact of new U.S. tariffs on South African agricultural exports, particularly table grapes.
"South Africa prides itself on having an export-oriented agricultural sector, and the USA is one of the vital markets for certain commodities, including table grapes," said Mecia Petersen, CEO of SATI. "Over the last five seasons, the South African industry has observed a 28% growth in fresh grape exports to the USA."
Petersen added that South Africa is recognised as a reliable supplier of high-quality grapes and that the growth in the U.S. market reflects that reputation. "Industry engagements conducted in 2024 indicated that USA-based role-players had an appetite for increasing volumes of high-quality grapes sourced from South Africa. The South African producers provide American consumers with necessary fresh produce at a time when they are out of season."
On 2 April 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that a 31% tariff would be applied to South African exports. However, on 9 April, he introduced a three-month reprieve during which a blanket 10% tariff would apply to most countries, including South Africa, until July. If the 31% tariff is implemented after this pause, it would represent one of the highest rates levied and would significantly disrupt South Africa's table grape exports.
"This would profoundly impact the South African table grape industry and disrupt its export flow," Petersen said. "It also presents risks for jobs in various farming communities across South Africa."
Petersen further noted that South Africa's main competitors in the U.S. market, Peru and Chile, will face only a 10% tariff after the reprieve. A 31% tariff on South Africa would create an uncompetitive trading environment for the country's producers and exporters.
"Retaining market share in existing markets remains a key priority for SATI and farming communities in South Africa," Petersen stated. "SATI will work with the South African government and its industry representative, the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz), to pursue the continuous flow of agricultural exports to the USA under favourable trading terms."
For more information:
Ms. Denene Erasmus
South African Table Grape Industry
Tel: +27 84 548 4606
Email: denene@satgi.co.za
www.satgi.co.za