Grain and oilseed market dynamics

In 2025, globally, grains and oilseeds are increasingly affected by shifting trade patterns, with tariff-related disruptions reshaping flows between China (the world’s largest importer) and major producers such as the United States and Brazil. This has amplified market volatility, elevating the role of logistics and policy alongside production in determining outcomes. Locally, South Africa’s grain and oilseed sector has entered the year with firm supply fundamentals, particularly for maize and soybeans, while wheat remains structurally reliant on imports and global price movements.

Livestock market dynamics

After a prolonged period of stagnation, beef carcass prices started to recover in the second quarter of 2025, supported by improving household incomes. The recovery was accelerated by the rapid spread of foot-and-mouth disease, which tightened supply and triggered a sharp price surge. It is expected that this momentum will continue and be reinforced by the seasonal upswing in demand heading into the festive season. Prices are unlikely to return to 2024 levels in the near term.

High-value export industry market dynamics

South Africa’s high-value agricultural exports are navigating a volatile trade environment in 2025. The imposition of a 30% United States tariff on South African goods following Liberation Day has disrupted long-standing trade flows and created uncertainty across fruit and nut value chains. While the European Union remains a critical market, competitive pressures from countries facing lower tariffs (Chile, Peru, Morocco, Kenya, etc.) are reshaping South Africa’s position in global supply chains.

Vegetable market dynamics

In 2025, South Africa’s vegetable sector has been marked by easing consumer pressures at a broad economic level, but vegetable price inflation has outpaced overall inflation. While lower fuel costs, interest rate cuts and improvements in household disposable income have supported purchasing power, vegetable prices remain more sensitive to seasonal cycles, climate variability and structural supply dynamics than many other food categories. This highlights how sector-specific factors continue to shape vegetable market outcomes, often independently of broader economic relief.

Water in the context of ESG

The water landscape in South Africa is evolving. Growing demands and changing climatic conditions highlight the importance of sustainable water use, as water management, measurement and reporting increasingly form part of business processes and environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations. With the support of our sustainability specialists, we have developed a dedicated water proposition aimed at equipping clients with practical tools and insights to better manage water-related risks, enhance resilience and unlock long-term value through more sustainable practices.