Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition John Steenhuisen has called for a coordinated government effort to create an enabling environment for South Africa’s macadamia sector. Speaking during the South African Macadamia Growers’ Association (SAMAC) ‘MacDay on the Road 2026’ event held in Umhlanga on 17-18 September 2026, Steenhuisen highlighted the need to address structural barriers currently hindering the industry’s competitiveness.
South Africa is the world’s leading producer of macadamia nuts, with production volumes recording a significant upward trend since 2010. Despite this status, the industry faces complex challenges, including rising input costs, logistical delays at national ports, and shifting international trade regulations. The sector exports approximately 95% of its total annual crop, making it a critical player in the national economy through foreign exchange earnings and rural job creation.
What government needs to do is look at ways in which we can create a much better enabling environment for you to unleash your talents, your abilities, your innovations in pursuit of growing the sector.
Steenhuisen noted that the government must focus on streamlining regulations and improving infrastructure to ensure local producers can maintain their market share in key destinations like the United States, China, and Europe. Previous state interventions have included the Employment Creation Fund, which saw a R40 million grant allocated to community-oriented farming projects in the Eastern Cape, such as the 2013 Ncera Macadamia Farm and the 2016 Amajingqi Macadamia Farming project.
We are not asking for special favours, we’re not asking for special treatment. I think what I hear the industry saying is that we want to be able to just compete on a fair and equal basis with our competitors around the world and then let our quality and our product speak for itself.
The industry is currently pivoting toward increased mechanization and research to mitigate the impact of fluctuating global prices and infrastructure constraints. By standardizing quality and expanding international market access, industry leaders aim to protect the livelihoods of those employed in the rural agricultural value chain.
Our journalist verified the details of the Deputy Minister’s address through official statements and attendance records from the event held in Umhlanga. We are currently checking with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition regarding the specific timelines for proposed regulatory reforms and upcoming infrastructure project rollouts.
Updates will be provided as more information becomes available regarding the government’s next steps for sector support.