Press release
The South African Table Grape Industry (SATI) is deeply concerned about the impact a new tariff on South African exports to the USA would have on the sector.
“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. Over the last five seasons, the South African industry has observed a 28% growth of fresh grape exports to the USA,” said Mecia Petersen, CEO of SATI.
“South Africa holds a reputation as a reliable supplier of world-class quality grapes, and we believe that the growth demonstrated in the USA market over the last five seasons bears testament to this. 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 the American consumers with necessary fresh produce at a time when they are out of season,” added Petersen.
After announcing on 2 April 2025 that a 31% tariff would apply on South African exports, USA President Donald Trump said on 9 April 2025 there would be a three-month reprieve during which most countries, including South Africa, would face a blanket USA tariff of 10% until July. Should the implementation of a 31% tariff on South African goods proceed after the three-month pause, it would be among the highest rates to be levied. It would profoundly impact the South African table grape industry and disrupt its export flow. This also presents risks for jobs in various farming communities in South Africa.
“Peru and Chile, among South Africa’s main competitors for table grape exports to the USA, face a 10% tariff after the three-month reprieve. Should a 31% tariff be imposed on South Africa, it would create an uncompetitive market for South African producers and exporters.
“Retaining market share in existing markets remains a key priority for SATI and the farming communities in South Africa. 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,” said Petersen.
Photo: Kal-Chleh Chan on Pexels
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Relevant Agribook pages include “Table grapes“
