The South African Table Grape Industry has noted the recent decision by the United States government to adjust reciprocal tariff measures and exempt certain food products, focusing on agricultural goods not produced in sufficient volumes within the U.S. The organisation stated that the development is a step toward more balanced global agricultural trade, but raised concern that South African table grapes, soft citrus, and other deciduous fruits were not included on the exemption list.
© SATI
According to the industry, these exclusions mean South African exporters continue to face higher trade costs when entering the U.S. market, despite South Africa's long-standing role as a counter-seasonal supplier. SATI CEO Mecia Petersen said the industry had expected table grapes to qualify for tariff relief, citing the U.S. market's reliance on imported grapes and South Africa's two decades of exports into the market.
South Africa is the fourth-largest global exporter of table grapes and the third-largest exporter in the Southern Hemisphere, with about 400,000 tonnes exported in the 2024 calendar year. Industry representatives said exporters have made investments to meet US market specifications, but higher duties relative to competitors such as Chile and Peru continue to limit competitiveness.
SATI, together with the Agricultural Business Chamber and the International Fresh Produce Association, plans to submit a formal request to the U.S. Trade Representative seeking clarity on how the product exemptions were determined and appealing for the inclusion of South African table grapes and other affected fruits.
The 2025/26 South African table grape export season has begun, with the U.S. market described as challenging due to tariff levels. In the 2024/25 season, South Africa exported around 2.2 million 4.5 kg cartons, equal to 9,900 tonnes, of table grapes to the U.S., valued at about R360 million or US$21 million. This was an increase from 1.3 million cartons, or 6,000 tonnes, in 2023/24, reflecting growing U.S. demand.
SATI said it will continue working with government and trade partners in ongoing market access discussions, with the aim of achieving tariff conditions similar to those granted to other Southern Hemisphere suppliers.
© SATIFor more information:
Denene Erasmus
SATI
Tel: +27 21 863 0366
Email: [email protected]
www.satgi.co.za
