Alfalfa meal and pellets exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $46.2 million of alfalfa meal and pellets in 2024 (136.4 thousand tonnes). That makes it the 2nd largest exporter of this product worldwide, out of 72 countries. Value fell 4% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 12% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2021, at $59.8 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $46.2M | 136.4K t |
| 2023 | $48.3M | 86.0K t |
| 2022 | $43.1M | 94.9K t |
| 2021 | $59.8M | 155.8K t |
| 2020 | $39.2M | 135.7K t |
| 2019 | $47.4M | 176.7K t |
| 2018 | $25.2M | 91.0K t |
| 2017 | $21.3M | 78.5K t |
Where South Africa exports alfalfa meal and pellets to
The largest buyer markets were United Arab Emirates (39%), Lesotho (20%), Saudi Arabia (18%). Among the main buyer markets, Kuwait grew fastest (+538% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United Arab Emirates | $17.9M | 39% |
| Lesotho | $9.3M | 20% |
| Saudi Arabia | $8.5M | 18% |
| China | $3.9M | 8.4% |
| Botswana | $2.8M | 6.2% |
| Kuwait | $2.2M | 4.9% |
| Namibia | $799K | 1.7% |
| Oman | $530K | 1.2% |
| Mauritius | $117K | 0.3% |
| Italy | $97K | 0.2% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.34 per kg, close to the world average of $0.30.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Alfalfa meal and pellets imports to South Africa
Imports of alfalfa meal and pellets by South Africa reached $271 thousand in 2024 (1.9 thousand tonnes). One supplier dominates: Namibia accounted for 78% of the value.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $211K | 78% |
| Mozambique | $54K | 20% |
| New Zealand | $6K | 2.3% |
| Egypt | $0K | 0.1% |
| Lesotho | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa alfalfa meal and pellets exports (HS 1214.10): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
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Mirror data: built from the shipment records of the countries that trade with it.
Source: CEPII BACI (reconciled UN Comtrade data), HS 2017 edition, release 202601, Etalab Open Licence 2.0. Annual values in US dollars at the customs border; quantities in tonnes where reported. HS 1214.10: Lucerne (alfalfa) meal and pellets.
Common questions
What is the value of alfalfa meal and pellets exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported alfalfa meal and pellets worth $46.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 136.4 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 2nd of 72 countries worldwide, with 14% of world exports. The value was down 4% on 2023.
Which countries buy alfalfa meal and pellets from South Africa?
The United Arab Emirates was the largest buyer with 39% of the value ($17.9 million), followed by Lesotho (20%) and Saudi Arabia (18%). The top three together account for 77%, out of 20 buyer countries in total. Kuwait grew fastest among the top ten, up 538% on the year.
What is the average export price of alfalfa meal and pellets per kg?
The average declared export value was about $0.34 per kg in 2024, 13% above the world average of $0.30 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have exports of alfalfa meal and pellets from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $21.3 million in 2017 to $46.2 million in 2024, an increase of 116%. The peak was 2021 at $59.8 million. Over 8 years the average was $41.3 million a year.
Does South Africa also import alfalfa meal and pellets?
Yes. South Africa imported $271 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Namibia, Mozambique and New Zealand. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $45.9 million a year.
What is the HS code for alfalfa meal and pellets?
The HS code for alfalfa meal and pellets is subheading 1214.10. It sits in HS chapter 12 (oil seeds and oleaginous fruits; miscellaneous grains, seeds and fruit, industrial or medicinal plants; straw and fodder). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 1214 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
The totals here are public statistics; EximDataX adds the company names by reading partner countries' customs records for South Africa. Tell us your product to see it live.
Same product, other countries
World alfalfa meal and pellets trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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