What to expect from the AgriTrends Autumn Edition
What to expect from the AgriTrends Autumn Edition
Amidst heightened global uncertainty, agribusiness sentiments are improving, albeit with cautious optimism. Strong partnerships and informed decision-making become essential in navigating an uncertain landscape. As agriculture evolves, economic and environmental sustainability are increasing in importance. With this report, we aim to provide insights that drive conversations, support resilience and help shape the future of the industry.
Chapter 1 – Global overview: Trumped–up tariffs and beyond
The flurry of executive orders will around trade will have winners and losers. We explore the effects of some of these degrees on South African agriculture and macroeconomics. We also unpack what the new world order can have in store for our key agricultural trading partners, such as the EU and China.
Chapter 2 – Grains and oilseeds market dynamics
Global prices for grains and oilseeds declined as production remained ample and competition increased. Lower import demand from China also added to price pressures. For 2025, regional production shortfalls and stronger demand for maize, particularly in Southern Africa, are expected to keep local prices above export parity levels, while a rebound in soybean production and global trade tensions may introduce price volatility.
Chapter 3 – Livestock market dynamics
Beef prices, including weaner calf prices, are anticipated to follow a modest upward trend due to improved local demand, robust export growth prospects and supply normalisation. Demand side factors are underpinned by relief for consumers through lower interest rates and fuel costs.
Chapter 4 – High-value export industry market dynamics
In 2024, long-term export crops saw a broad-based recovery in profitability, driven by various factors. However, challenges still persisted, with the weather shifting from El Niño to La Niña. In 2025, competition from South American fruit exports, such as avocados and table grapes, is increasing with a rebound in weather conditions. Over the medium term, additional competition is likely to come from non-traditional competitors such as China and India. An example of China moving from a net importer to a net exporter of table grapes is a case in point.
Chapter 5 – Vegetable market dynamics
Dynamics in vegetable prices continue to be dominated by supply side factors such as adverse weather conditions and shifts in input costs. Producers in this subsector are, however, likely to find some reprieve from high costs as oil prices are forecasted to trend downward over the coming years, albeit marginally. Conflicts in the Middle East, especially around the Red Sea, present some upside view to this.
Chapter 6 – ESG: Carbon emission in agriculture
Carbon measurement and reporting are increasingly forming part of business processes and decision-making. We have formed a collaborative effort with Blue North, through which we aim to socialise important carbon-related concepts to minimise risk and unlock value (for client and financier). As a first step, it is important to understand the carbon landscape. This is unpacked in this research report.
Plan for the future with insights by agri-industry experts.
To learn more, download the 2025 Autumn Edition.