South Africa expects record 21.6 mln tons of summer grains and oilseeds

South Africa’s summer grain and oilseed production in the 2025/26 season is forecast at a record 21.6 mln tons, up 5% year-on-year. The total includes corn, sunflower seed, soybeans, sorghum, groundnuts and dry beans.

The strong harvest, combined with large carryover stocks, is putting pressure on domestic grain prices and helping contain food inflation. Food inflation stood at just 0.7% in August, while the July and August rates were the lowest since 2010.

South Africa’s agricultural exports are also increasing. In the first half of 2026, their value reached $7.8 bln, up 11% year-on-year despite logistics problems at the Port of Cape Town.

The wheat outlook, however, is weaker. South Africa’s 2026/27 winter wheat crop is forecast at 1.8 mln tons, down 8% year-on-year and the lowest level in eight years.

Expected El Niño conditions remain a risk for the next season, potentially bringing drier weather and affecting the 2027 harvest. For now, ample stocks and the strong 2025/26 crop continue to support stable grain supplies in the domestic market.

Tags: grain, soybean, oilseeds, sunseed, South Africa, corn