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South Africa boasts one of Africa's most developed and diverse economies, supported by a robust commercial sector and sophisticated distribution networks.

In 2024, Southern Africa faced a severe drought, leading to a significant decline in corn and soybean production, which caused rising food inflation and economic challenges.

The FAIRS Annual Country Report provides a comprehensive summary of the rules and regulations governing the import of food and agricultural products to South Africa.

This report has been updated to include the latest information relevant to exporting to South Africa. The Food and Agricultural Import Regulation and Standards (FAIRS) Certificate Report provides a comprehensive list of the main certificates required for exporting plants, animals, and animal products to South Africa.

The South African Department of Agriculture (DoA) reported several new positive cases of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in cattle in the KwaZulu Natal, Gauteng, and Mpumalanga provinces in April 2025. Following the announcement of the FMD outbreak, China suspended imports of cloven-hoofed animals and related products from South Africa.

This report includes technical requirements and export certificates for the export of food and agricultural products to Argentina. It complements the Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards Annual Country 2023 Report.

On May 20, 2025, the Argentine Government extended lower export tax on wheat and barley of 9.5 percent through March 2026. All the other commodities will return to their higher previous levels on July 1, 2025.

This report includes technical requirements and export certificates for the export of food and agricultural products to Argentina. It complements the Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards Annual Country 2024 Report.

Despite an anticipated increase in sugarcane production, Argentina’s sugar exports for marketing year (MY) 2025/26 are forecast to decline to 515,000 metric tons (raw value), driven by significantly lower beginning stocks and more favorable returns from ethanol production under the domestic biofuels blend mandate.

FAS/Pretoria’s Sugar annual report provides information on the production, supply, and distribution of sugar in South Africa for marketing year (MY) 2023/24, MY 2024/25, and MY 2025/26.

Corn leads the charge with exports forecast at 37 million tons, the third highest in history as farmers return in force following the MY2023/24 corn stunt or chicharrita setback.

Cranberry consumption and imports are growing in South Africa, with demand for dried cranberries and juice rising among middle-income, health-conscious consumers.