The majority of the balance will be imported in January, said Grain SA economist Wandile Sihlobo.
South Africa’s total maize ending-stocks in October 2015 was 5,4 million tons, according to the South African Grain Information Services (SAGIS). This was 13% lower than the previous month. Local demand was 891 577t, up by 1% month-on-month.
Although the optimal maize planting window for the eastern parts of the country has passed, Sihlobo said producers might still plant until the end of November if these areas received enough rain.
In Mpumalanga producers have planted about 70% of the intended area, while other areas such as the eastern Free State only planted 6% of the projected area.
SA has thus far imported 485 230t of wheat for 2015/2016. SAGIS reported that the country’s wheat ending-stocks in October 2015 were 933 556t, 56% higher than the previous month. In the same month, domestic consumption was 264 705t, down 2% from the previous month.
