Southern Africa’s Drought Drives Record U.S. Corn & Soybean Exports in 2024/25
U.S. corn and soybean exports to Southern Africa surged to a 30-year high in response to a region-wide drought and food insecurity, unlocking new trade pathways and strengthening U.S. farm incomes.
📊 Export Overview (May 2024 – April 2025):
| Commodity | Volume Exported | Value (USD) | Share of Total U.S. Ag Exports to Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corn | 300,000 MT | ||
| Soybeans | 165,000 MT | $140 million | ~30% |
- This export value is the highest in 30 years for U.S. corn and soybeans to Southern Africa.
- Main destinations: South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Angola, Namibia, and Lesotho.
🌍 Background: El Niño-Induced Drought & Crop Collapse
- In 2024, Southern Africa suffered a severe drought and heat stress, reducing:
- Corn production by 30% – the smallest crop in 5 years.
- Soybean production increased by 26%.
- Countries worst hit: Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, South Africa.
- Rainfed farming dominates, with less than 20% under irrigation.
⚙️ Regulatory Breakthrough: GE Crop Approvals
- The U.S. and South Africa resolved asynchronous approvals for genetically engineered (GE) corn and soybeans.
- This enabled the legal importation of U.S. GE grain:
- GE soybeans approved Sept 30, 2024.
- GE corn approved Nov 19, 2024.
- South Africa now permits imports of all relevant U.S. GE events for feed and food.
🛒 Trade Impacts & Use by Region
- Corn: Southern Africa consumes ~25 MMT annually; 70% of U.S. corn exports were white corn for human consumption (porridge), key to regional diets.
- Soybeans: Regional demand ~3 MMT/year; 85% is crushed for animal feed. Most U.S. soybeans were destined for South Africa, which experienced:
- A major drought-induced crop loss.
- Strong demand to maintain soybean crushing capacity.
- Over 1.5 MMT of added oilseed crushing capacity in the past decade.
💬 Summary & Outlook
- This trade case underscores the strategic role of U.S. agriculture in global food security and emergency response.
- The U.S. not only filled an urgent supply gap but also built new long-term commercial relationships.
- With ongoing climate risk and infrastructure gaps in Southern Africa, U.S. agricultural exports are likely to remain a cornerstone of food system resilience in the region.
Source: USDA