Deepening intra-BRICS agricultural trade is essential for SA
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South African agricultural experts are calling for deeper trade integration within the BRICS bloc to overcome high tariffs and phytosanitary barriers. The push comes ahead of the upcoming BRICS summit in New Delhi, with a focus on expanding export markets for South African agribusiness.
Why it matters
Improving trade relations within BRICS is seen as vital for South Africa's economic growth and food security goals.
High tariffs and phytosanitary barriers restrict South Africa’s agricultural exports to BRICS partners, driving urgent calls for preferential trade agreements ahead of the upcoming New Delhi summit.
4 Aug 2026 Wandile Sihlobo is the Presidential Envoy on Agriculture and Land. He is also the chief economist of the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa and a senior research fellow in the Department of Agricultural Economics at Stellenbosch University.
Dive Deeper Speed Read Listen Dive Deeper On August 4, the business community in the BRICS Grouping (BRICS Business Council) met to deliberate on agricultural matters ahead of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi, India, in September.
The agribusinesses have reflected on several aspects throughout the year, including climate change challenges in agriculture, regenerative agriculture initiatives , food security, agricultural innovation and research cooperation, and international trade.
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