South Africa’s corn harvest seen slightly lower

South Africa is expected to record a modest decline in corn production in the MY 2025/26. According to the first official summer crop estimate released by the government’s Crop Estimates Committee (CEC), the harvest is projected at 16.13 million tonnes, about 3% below the 16.65 million tonnes produced in the 2024/25 season.

The lower output reflects uneven yield performance across key growing regions. Weather conditions in several major producing provinces have put early pressure on crops, although overall production remains relatively strong compared with historical averages.

The forecast includes 8.51 million tonnes of white maize, mainly used for human consumption, and 7.62 million tonnes of yellow maize, primarily destined for the animal feed sector. This highlights the crop’s continued importance for both food markets and livestock production.

Maize remains South Africa’s most strategic agricultural commodity, serving as a staple food and a major export product. The commercial maize sector supports rural employment and plays a critical role in regional food security, particularly within the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

Despite the year-on-year decline, the projected 16.13 million-tonne harvest is well above the country’s typical domestic requirement of around 12 million tonnes annually. This suggests South Africa will maintain a supply surplus and remain an active exporter in the coming season.

In the MY 2024/25, the country recorded strong export activity, shipping maize to neighbouring markets including Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, and Mozambique. By mid-February 2026, exports had reached approximately 1.6 million tonnes, with expectations to climb to around 2.4 million tonnes by the end of the season.

Tags: corn, South Africa, crop forecast