PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA – South Africa is expected to remain an important corn exporter despite a smaller 2026/27 crop, supported by record carryover supplies and strong demand from regional and overseas buyers.
USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service forecasts exports at about 98 million bushels next season, down nearly 17 percent as production declines. Record beginning stocks are expected to help offset the smaller harvest and keep South Africa from becoming a corn importer.
Vietnam has emerged as the country’s largest corn buyer this season. Through the first 24 weeks of 2025/26, Vietnam accounted for nearly 46 percent of South African exports, purchasing about 22 million bushels.
Regional demand also remains important. Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, Eswatini and Lesotho rely heavily on South African corn, and possible El Niño conditions across southern Africa could increase that dependence.
USDA expects South Africa’s ending stocks to fall by half next season to about 83 million bushels, bringing inventories closer to the long-term average while still covering roughly two months of commercial use.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Smaller South African production could reduce exports, but strong regional demand and growing Asian business should keep the country active in global corn trade.