The Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Department and the National Agricultural Marketing Council says exports of agricultural products to Mexico grew by almost 18 000% last year. Maize exports to Mexico accounted for most of the growth in 2011, growing by a staggering 2 535%.
South Africa also found a new market for wood pulp in the central American country as sales of wood pulp increased by 1 337%. Vegetable exports were also significantly higher with growth of 895%.
The value of South African agricultural goods exported to Mexico stood at about R2,8-billion for the year.
Mexico's rapid growth as a market for agricultural products outstripped South Korea (93% growth) and China (42%). The top three products driving South Korea's growth were Kraftliner paper (used for packaging), fish and juices. The country bought agricultural goods valued at about R2-billion.
The growth in South African exports to China was led by grapefruit, wood pulp and wine and were worth almost R3-billion.
While some markets grew, others shrank. Kenya, Belgium and Saudi Arabia showed the biggest declines, with Kenya's decline as an agricultural export destination for South Africa being led by maize (99% shrinkage), an indication that cultivation of the grain is increasing locally.
Belgium's decline is led by the 97% shrinkage of tobacco imports from South Africa, possibly due to a major international anti-smoking drive led by the United Nations.
Saudi Arabia declined as a market because it bought less fruit from South Africa including peaches, plums and mandarins.
China is South Africa's fourth-largest export market for agricultural goods, with Mexico now seventh and South Korea ninth. The top three export destinations for agricultural goods from South Africa are Holland (valued at R5,5-billion), Britain (R5-billion) and Zimbabwe (R4,7-billion).
Meanwhile, Transnet harbour authority chief executive Tau Morwe says that export costs would be "considerably" reduced when tariffs on containers were lowered. South Africa's container tariffs are among the highest in the world.
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