“South Africa holds a reputation as a reliable supplier of world-class quality grapes, and we believe that the growth demonstrated in the USA market over the last five seasons bears testament to this. Industry engagements conducted in 2024 indicated that USA-based role-players had an appetite for increasing volumes of high-quality grapes sourced from South Africa. The South African producers provide the American consumers with necessary fresh produce at a time when they are out of season,” added Petersen.

After announcing on 2 April 2025 that a 31% tariff would apply on South African exports, USA President Donald Trump said on 9 April 2025 there would be a three-month reprieve during which most countries, including South Africa, would face a blanket USA tariff of 10% until July. Should the implementation of a 31% tariff on South African goods proceed after the three-month pause, it would be among the highest rates to be levied. It would profoundly impact the South African table grape industry and disrupt its export flow. This also presents risks for jobs in various farming communities in South Africa.

“Peru and Chile, among South Africa’s main competitors for table grape exports to the USA, face a 10% tariff after the three-month reprieve. Should a 31% tariff be imposed on South Africa, it would create an uncompetitive market for South African producers and exporters.

“Retaining market share in existing markets remains a key priority for SATI and the farming communities in South Africa. SATI will work with the South African government and its industry representative, the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz), to pursue the continuous flow of agricultural exports to the USA under favourable trading terms,” said Petersen.

Ends
Issued by the South African Table Grape Industry (SATI)

Media Enquiries:
Ms. Denene Erasmus
Market Development & Communications Manager
denene@satgi.co.za
+2784 548 4606

About SATI
SATI is the unified South African Table Grape Industry Association. All table grape producers are required to register with SATI, which is mandated by law as the industry’s official levy administrator. The levy is required to fund and facilitate market access and development, research and technology, information provision, transformation, and training. SATI is dedicated to operating a partnership that strives to maintain South Africa’s position as the preferred country of origin for retailers around the world. Contact: info@satgi.co.za