Zimbabwe tops buyers as SA GMO maize exports slow

South Africa exported 36,174 tonnes of maize last week, with Zimbabwe emerging as the leading destination, taking in more than half of the shipments.

Data shows that Zimbabwe accounted for approximately 51% of the exports, followed by Namibia at 13%, with the remainder distributed across other countries in the Southern African region.

The latest figures bring South Africa's total maize exports for the 2025–26 marketing season to 1.9 million tonnes, falling short of the projected 2.4 million tonnes. With the marketing year ending in April 2026, analysts say it is increasingly unlikely that the initial export target will be achieved.

The slower pace of exports has been attributed largely to weakened demand, as global markets remain well supplied with maize. Ample international stocks have reduced the urgency for imports among regional buyers, dampening South Africa's export momentum.

Despite the slowdown, Zimbabwe's position as the top buyer underscores its continued reliance on regional grain supplies, particularly in periods of domestic shortfalls.

Market observers say the softer demand environment reflects broader global agricultural trends, where increased production in key exporting countries has stabilised prices and limited aggressive buying.

As the season draws to a close, attention is expected to shift to the next marketing cycle, with producers and traders closely watching weather patterns, regional demand, and global supply dynamics that will shape future export performance.