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What do 2021/22 global wheat production dynamics mean for South Africa?

Agbiz chief economist Wandile Sihlobo says that while South Africa is traditionally a net exporter of agricultural products, wheat is the second most valuable imported food product after rice. In 2020, South Africa's wheat imports were valued at US$493 million, which equates to 8% of the overall agricultural import value of US$5,9 billion that year. In the first half of this year, wheat hasn't moved from its second place as a valuable imported agricultural into South Africa. Over the past decade, imports accounted for an average of 53% of South Africa's annual wheat consumption of 3,2 million tonnes. As a result of this dependency on the global market, we pay close attention to primary producers, who serve as South African suppliers. These include the Black Sea countries, Canada, Australia, the US, and the EU.

Published: 16 August 2021