JOHANNESBURG - A record maize harvest is driving renewed demand from international buyers, with key Asian markets returning.
The Agricultural Business Chamber says South Korea and Vietnam, among others, are back in the market.
This is supporting a stronger export outlook for the 2026–27 season.
The country is expecting a bumper crop of 17.1 million tonnes.
READ | Maize imports at a time of abundant domestic harvest
That's well above annual consumption of around 12 million tonnes, leaving a sizeable surplus for export.
Exports are forecast to rise to 3 million tonnes this season, up from 2 million tonnes last year.
While the surplus is good for trade, there are fears of lower prices for farmers as input costs continue to rise.