TRENDS: The Canola Wave in SA

At the South African Trade Desk, one of our goals is to identify industry trends and highlight high-performing industries and opportunities within them.

The agriculture sector in South Africa is enjoying a strong 2025 and as reported by the Daily Maverick recently:

“According to estimates published on Friday, 3 October 2025, by the Citrus Growers Association (CGA), South Africa is on track to pack a record 202.2 million cartons of citrus for export in 2025. This is an 18% increase over the original estimate of 171.2 million, and 23% more than the 163.9 million packed in 2024 for shipping.” 

Another product which appears to be booming in South Africa is Canola which has enjoyed a record year.

This trend was identified by Agriculture Economist Wandile Sihlobo in some of his recent market commentary.

In a recent interview, Wandile reflects on how this relatively new crop has grown from small beginnings in the late 1990s to a record harvest in 2025. Despite the success, farmers in the province have faced unique challenges this season, including snail infestations, rising input costs, and uneven rainfall. The discussion highlights both the beauty and the complexity of farming in South Africa’s only winter rainfall region. Beyond the Cape, Wandile explores the broader agricultural landscape – from strong summer grain harvests boosting tractor and harvester sales, to growing optimism for the 2025/26 planting season. He also unpacks recent developments in Zimbabwe’s maize market, where quiet import movements suggest a possible policy shift.

You can watch the full video below: