Agriculture minister Steenhuisen rings warning bells on Trump tariffs
Steenhuisen said the tabling comes at a critical time with the separation of the department from the rural development portfolio. He said citrus, wine, nuts and table grapes were exposed to the US tariffs and he would work to protect the exports and their producers.
"More than ever, it highlights the need for urgent reform in South Africa so we can ensure our economy meets the requirements of our trading partners around the world.
"I look forward to working with [ trade, industry and competition] m inister Parks Tau and others in the coming weeks to urgently seek a way through the impasse and ensure we can avoid the 30% tariff for our agriculture sector."
Steenhuisen said SA agriculture stood at a crossroads of "extraordinary potential" and persistent risks such as climate change, input costs, weak infrastructure, finance access gaps and global trade shocks.
He said the budget vote will introduce an agricultural digital platform, a ministerial oversight framework with biannual audit reviews.
"The budget is more than a set of figures. It is a statement of intent, a commitment to build a new kind of inclusive agriculture. An agriculture that is youth-driven, science-based, climate smart and, most importantly, inclusive."
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