South Africa forecasts maize exports of 3 million tons in 2026/27
In South Africa, Africa Sustainability Matters reported that South Africa is forecast to export around 3 million metric tons of maize during the 2026/27 marketing year, marking a significant recovery for one of Africa’s largest grain exporters, as good domestic harvests and growing regional demand offset increasingly competitive global market conditions.
According to Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist at the South African Agricultural Business Chamber (Agbiz), projected export volumes would represent a 50% increase over the 2 million metric tons exported during the previous marketing year. This outlook follows a record national maize harvest of 16.8 million metric tons in 2026, slightly higher than the previous year and sufficient to generate a substantial exportable surplus once domestic consumption needs are met.
South Africa remains the continent’s leading maize producer and a strategically important supplier to several southern African countries that rely on imports during drought years or periods of low domestic production, the report added.
Category: Food & Agriculture
