The unexpected and alarming spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) has sparked fears of a global economic slowdown.
South African agriculture exports
approximately 25 commodities amounting to a value of more than $10 billion
annually.
“The current uncertainty of the markets and the subsequent
global economic slowdown is adding additional pressure on the debilitating
South African economy. The growing impact of the COVID-19 coincides with the
announcement of a 1,4% retraction in our economy as well as a decline of 7,6%
for agriculture in the fourth quarter of 2019,” says Omri van Zyl, Agri SA’s
executive director.
On Friday, 28 February 2020, the World Health Organisation
(WHO) declared the Covid-19 outbreak as a global pandemic, resulting in
governments around the world to strengthen their containment measures. Last
week, the global market lost more than $6 trillion resulting in the worst
economic week since the global recession in 2008.
“At this stage, it is difficult to quantify the economic
impact on South African agriculture. Over the short term we are expecting
supply chain and logistical disruptions that may cause harm to export-driven
agricultural sectors,” says Van Zyl. Agri SA will continuously work alongside
industry bodies to monitor the impact of COVID-19.
