South Africa targets 3M tonnes in maize exports for 2026/2027
South Africa expects maize exports to rise 50% to 3 million tonnes in 2026/27 due to strong production, large surplus stocks and higher regional demand. Zimbabwe remained the biggest buyer, while drought risks linked to El Niño may further boost Southern African import demand.
SOUTH AFRICA – South Africa expects a sharp rise in maize exports during the 2026/2027 marketing year as higher production and rising demand from Southern Africa support the sector.
Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist at the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa, said the country could export about 3 million tonnes of maize during the season, which started in May. The estimate marks a 50% rise from the 2 million tonnes shipped in the previous season.
The forecast follows another strong harvest for the country, which remains Africa’s largest maize producer and exporter. Agbiz estimates South Africa’s 2025/2026 maize crop at 16.8 million tonnes, up 1% from the previous year. The harvest also adds to large carryover stocks from earlier seasons.
Domestic maize use stands at about 12 million tonnes each year, leaving a large exportable surplus for regional and international buyers.
Sihlobo said Southern Africa could continue to support demand because several countries may face poor harvests linked to dry weather conditions.
“Sustained demand could emerge from Southern Africa, as some countries are likely to face drought episodes linked to the El Niño phenomenon, which could reduce their harvests in the next agricultural season,” he said.
Zimbabwe remained South Africa’s biggest maize buyer during the 2025/2026 season. The country accounted for about 39% of export volumes, equal to nearly 780,770 tonnes.
The latest forecast could also signal a recovery for South Africa’s maize export trade after years of falling shipments. Agbiz data shows exports dropped from a peak of 4.1 million tonnes in 2021/2022 to 2 million tonnes in 2025/2026.
The decline reflected weaker demand from some overseas buyers, especially in the Far East, where cheaper maize from other suppliers increased competition.
“This situation has reduced the need to import maize from a supplier as far away as South Africa,” Sihlobo explained.
Agbiz now wants maize included more closely in South Africa’s agricultural export promotion plans as the country looks for more markets across the world.
The sector already plays a major role in the country’s farm trade. In 2025, maize exports earned South Africa US$760 million, accounting for about 5% of the country’s total agricultural export earnings.
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Source : Milling MEA
