Animal feed exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of animal feed by South Africa reached $200.0 million in 2024 (203.1 thousand tonnes). The value was almost unchanged from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
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 | $200.0M | 203.1K t |
| 2023 | $195.8M | 195.9K t |
| 2022 | $197.8M | 221.0K t |
| 2021 | $187.8M | 218.6K t |
| 2020 | $155.9M | 218.3K t |
| 2019 | $182.8M | 297.8K t |
| 2018 | $164.4M | 141.9K t |
| 2017 | $137.7M | 210.4K t |
Where South Africa exports animal feed to
Most of it went to Namibia (23%), Zimbabwe (15%), Botswana (12%). Among the main buyer markets, Malaysia grew fastest (+37% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $47.0M | 24% |
| Zimbabwe | $29.7M | 15% |
| Botswana | $24.9M | 12% |
| Zambia | $20.8M | 10% |
| India | $10.8M | 5.4% |
| Malaysia | $8.5M | 4.3% |
| Eswatini | $7.0M | 3.5% |
| Mozambique | $6.8M | 3.4% |
| Malawi | $5.6M | 2.8% |
| Lesotho | $5.4M | 2.7% |
Product types under HS 2309
| 2309.90 | Dog or cat food: (not put up for retail sale), used in animal feeding | 73% |
| 2309.10 | Dog or cat food: put up for retail sale, used in animal feeding | 28% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 2309.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.98 per kg, 36% below the world average of $1.52, which often means bulk or lower-grade product.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Animal feed imports to South Africa
Imports of animal feed by South Africa reached $176.8 million in 2024 (127.9 thousand tonnes). Most of the value came from Netherlands (16%), France (13%), Eswatini (10%). Trade is spread widely: the top three suppliers together make up only 39%. Among the main suppliers, United States grew fastest (+38% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Netherlands | $28.4M | 16% |
| France | $23.0M | 13% |
| Eswatini | $17.1M | 9.7% |
| Czech Republic | $12.7M | 7.2% |
| United States | $10.6M | 6% |
| Austria | $9.9M | 5.6% |
| China | $9.1M | 5.2% |
| Brazil | $8.0M | 4.5% |
| United Kingdom | $7.8M | 4.4% |
| Germany | $7.4M | 4.2% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
Public statistics stop at country totals and the last published year. EximDataX shows the shipment records underneath: the companies, dates, quantities and declared values, updated weekly.
Shipment records are in the platform
Tell us what you trade and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
Mirror data: built from the shipment records of the countries that trade with it.
Updated weekly on EximDataX (some markets daily), while public statistics stop at 2024.
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 2309: Preparations of a kind used in animal feeding.
Common questions
What is the value of animal feed exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported animal feed worth $200.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 203.1 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 37th of 201 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was up 2% on 2023.
Which countries buy animal feed from South Africa?
Namibia was the largest buyer with 23% of the value ($47.0 million), followed by Zimbabwe (15%) and Botswana (12%). The top three together account for 51%, out of 83 buyer countries in total. Malaysia grew fastest among the top ten, up 37% on the year.
What is the average export price of animal feed per kg?
The average declared export value was about $0.98 per kg in 2024, 36% below the world average of $1.52 per kg. It is total declared value divided by total weight, so it blends every grade and size; use it as a benchmark, not a quote. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
How have exports of animal feed from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $137.7 million in 2017 to $200.0 million in 2024, an increase of 45%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import animal feed?
Yes. South Africa imported $176.8 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from the Netherlands, France and Eswatini. That compares with exports of $200.0 million in the same year.
What is the HS code for animal feed?
The HS code for animal feed is heading 2309. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 2309.90 (73% of the value) and 2309.10 (27%). It sits in HS chapter 23 (food industries, residues and wastes thereof; prepared animal fodder). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2309 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
Public statistics stop at country totals. EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, updated weekly, so you can see the companies that ship to and from it. Tell us your product and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
More trade data for South Africa
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