For years, SA producers have worked tirelessly to penetrate the US market, but the new tariffs could upset that progress and create significant challenges on the global stage.

Producers had hoped to further grow their market share in the US, but these aspirations may now be at risk. Gabriel Viljoen, Chairperson of the Oranje River Producers Association, shared his concerns about the impact of the tariffs; “It’s not economically viable for us. The market conditions, especially for the chilli urban and above, make it increasingly difficult. What we’ve achieved over the past five seasons, an increase of 28% market share in the US, could be undone. With the 31% tariff President Trump is proposing, it simply won’t be viable for us anymore.”

For SA’s table grape growers, these tariffs could mean a significant setback in their efforts to expand and sustain their foothold in a highly competitive market.

--ChannelAfrica--