South Africa: Impact of the Ongoing Civil Unrest in South Africa on Food and the Agricultural Sector

Areas within two South African provinces have been plunged into violent civil unrest following protests on the imprisonment of former President Jacob Zuma on July 8, 2021. This has resulted in the blocking of major roads, widespread looting of shops, and burning of vehicles, shopping malls and businesses. While the specific costs and implications of the civil unrest to the food and agricultural sector are still to be accurately ascertained, the detrimental effects are becoming evident and continue unfolding with some analysts estimating the damage to be more than USD$1 Billion. Of major concern, is the closure of the Durban Port and major roads, which may affect U.S. food and agricultural exports if it continues.