South African ag exports up 6% despite drought
The Agriculture Business Chamber (Agbiz), which represents commercial farmers and agribusiness enterprises nationally, said this was boosted by growth in exports of fruits, beverages, spirits and vegetables, with the total agricultural export value amounting to $8.6bn, up 6% from 2015.
These products are mainly grown in the Western Cape, which continues to be gripped by severe drought.
Fruits
SA’s agricultural exports to Europe increased 5%, from $2.1bn in 2015 to $2.2bn in 2016. The countries agriculture exports to other African countries recovered 4% in 2016, reaching $3.8bn.
As for Asia, agriculture exports increased 13%, from $1.66bn in 2015 to $1.87bn in 2016. Driving the country’s exports to Asia was an increase in fruits, wool, beverages, nuts and meat exports, among other products.
source: busineslive.co.za
