South Africa: Southern Africa Shortages Boost United States Corn and Soybean Exports Benefiting American Farmers

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. FAS/Pretoria worked with industry and government to resolve asynchronous genetically engineered crop approvals between the United States and South Africa, this facilitated the import of U.S. corn and soybeans. As a result, the United States exported corn and soybeans to the region, valued at $140 million, which is the highest export value in the past 30 years. This trade not only bolstered Southern Africa's food supply and strengthened long-term trade relationships but also delivered substantial economic benefits to the U.S. agricultural sector, underscoring the importance of American agriculture in addressing global food security challenges.