Beef, sheep and goat fat imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported beef, sheep and goat fat worth $11.5 million (12.3 thousand tonnes). That is 37% more than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2021, at $15.6 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $11.5M | 12.3K t |
| 2023 | $8.4M | 11.5K t |
| 2022 | $12.2M | 12.7K t |
| 2021 | $15.6M | 14.1K t |
| 2020 | $8.0M | 13.8K t |
| 2019 | $9.3M | 13.7K t |
| 2018 | $9.8M | 13.4K t |
| 2017 | $10.2M | 14.0K t |
Where South Africa imports beef, sheep and goat fat from
One supplier dominates: Brazil accounted for 52% of the value. Among the main suppliers, Namibia grew fastest (+430% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Brazil | $6.0M | 52% |
| Uruguay | $2.5M | 22% |
| Argentina | $2.1M | 19% |
| Namibia | $441K | 3.9% |
| Australia | $150K | 1.3% |
| United Kingdom | $109K | 1% |
| New Zealand | $21K | 0.2% |
| Uganda | $20K | 0.2% |
| Austria | $18K | 0.2% |
| Ireland | $12K | 0.1% |
Product types under HS 1502
| 1502.90 | Fats of bovine animals, sheep or goats: excluding tallow, and other than those of heading 1503 | 67% |
| 1502.10 | Tallow: other than those of heading 1503 | 33% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 1502.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.93 per kg, close to the world average of $1.05.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Beef, sheep and goat fat exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported beef, sheep and goat fat worth $11.5 million (11.9 thousand tonnes). Most of it went to United States (47%), Zambia (18%), Mozambique (13%). Among the main buyer markets, Malawi grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $5.3M | 47% |
| Zambia | $2.1M | 18% |
| Mozambique | $1.5M | 13% |
| Eswatini | $914K | 8% |
| Malawi | $551K | 4.8% |
| Botswana | $378K | 3.3% |
| Lesotho | $306K | 2.7% |
| China | $185K | 1.6% |
| Zimbabwe | $155K | 1.4% |
| Egypt | $47K | 0.4% |
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 1502: Fats of bovine animals, sheep or goats, other than those of heading 1503.
Common questions
What is the value of beef, sheep and goat fat imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported beef, sheep and goat fat worth $11.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 12.3 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 20th of 157 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 37% on 2023.
Which countries supply beef, sheep and goat fat to South Africa?
Brazil was the largest supplier with 52% of the value ($6.0 million), followed by Uruguay (22%) and Argentina (19%). The top three together account for 93%, out of 13 supplier countries in total. Namibia grew fastest among the top ten, up 430% on the year.
What is the average import price of beef, sheep and goat fat per kg?
The average declared import value was about $0.93 per kg in 2024, 11% below the world average of $1.05 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 imports of beef, sheep and goat fat to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $10.2 million in 2017 to $11.5 million in 2024, an increase of 13%. The peak was 2021 at $15.6 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export beef, sheep and goat fat?
Yes. South Africa exported $11.5 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the United States, Zambia and Mozambique. That compares with imports of $11.5 million in the same year.
What is the HS code for beef, sheep and goat fat?
The HS code for beef, sheep and goat fat is heading 1502. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 1502.90 (67% of the value) and 1502.10 (33%). It sits in HS chapter 15 (animal, vegetable or microbial fats and oils and their cleavage products; prepared edible fats; animal or vegetable waxes). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 1502 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.
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