Transport Costs Weigh Down SA Agricultural Exports to Neighboring Countries

Rising transport costs, linked to higher fuel prices, have negatively impacted South Africa's agricultural exports to neighboring countries, including Namibia.

The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) reported that agricultural exports declined in the second quarter of 2026 due to increased transport costs, which were influenced by global energy and petroleum price hikes following war-related disruptions.

South African consumer fuel price inflation reached 34.3% in June 2026, according to the SARB's September 2026 Quarterly Bulletin.

The higher transport costs affected exports of vegetable products, animal fats, and oils to neighboring countries, with wheat or meslin flour exports declining to Eswatini, Botswana, and Namibia during the second quarter.