“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.
Enquiries: Omri van Zyl
Agri SA Executive Director
(C)
082 417 5724 Jolanda Andrag
Agri SA Head: Commodity Chamber
(C)
082 457 9937