Neighbour slams door shut on South Africa’s vegetables, again
The renewed trade barrier deals a financial blow to South African vegetable farmers who depend on regional sales.
The abrupt decision by Botswana to block key vegetable imports has left South African farmers exposed and raises serious questions about regional cooperation and trade friction.
Botswana’s Ministry of Lands and Agriculture shocked the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) bloc on 8 December 2025 by reintroducing an immediate import ban on vegetables, citing relatively high local production and availability as the rationale.
The Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz) immediately raised concerns about what it labelled poor coordination among SACU nations following the notice, which states the restriction is in place “until further notice”.
List of import vegetables banned by Botswana
| Commodity | Status | Duration of intervention |
|---|---|---|
| Tomato | Restricted | Until further notice |
| Potato | Restricted | Until further notice |
| White Cabbage | Restricted | Until further notice |
| Red Cabbage | Restricted | Until further notice |
| White Onion | Restricted | Until further notice |
| Red Onion | Restricted | Until further notice |
| Watermelon | Restricted | Until further notice |
| Green Pepper | Restricted | Until further notice |
| Cucumber | Restricted | Until further notice |
| Beetroot | Restricted | Until further notice |
| Carrot | Restricted | Until further notice |
| Lettuce | Restricted | Until further notice |
| Strawberry | Restricted | Until further notice |
| Ginger | Restricted | Until further notice |
| Red and Yellow Peppers | Restricted | Until further notice |
| Garlic | Restricted | Until further notice |
| Butternut | Restricted | Until further notice |
The restriction marks a significant, and worrying, policy reversal. The administration of President Duma Boko had previously lifted similar bans imposed by the former government because rising inflationary pressures were crippling local households.
SACU friction sparks regional policy rift
The renewed trade barrier deals a financial blow to South African farmers who depend on regional sales, specifically to Botswana, which accounts for roughly $17 million (R289 million), or 8%, of the country’s annual vegetable exports. The lack of consultation and abruptness of the move highlight deep structural problems within regional trade agreements, according to agricultural economist, Wandile Sihlobo.
Sihlobo, Agbiz chief economist, slammed the recurring practice, identifying Namibia and Botswana as major culprits.
He stressed that such unilateral action undermined the regional spirit and free trade goals promoted by SACU.
“We continuously see countries restricting imports of agricultural products on short notice, with limited communication to other countries,” Sihlobo said, noting that this raises serious questions about regional trade integration and policy coordination.
While acknowledging Botswana’s desire to boost its domestic sector, Sihlobo advised that South Africa’s response needs to be sensitive yet firm. He suggested perpetual import bans should be replaced by temporary time limits, allowing Botswana’s producers to compete effectively in open markets.