Bulk pet food exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, South Africa exported bulk pet food worth $145.1 million (167.4 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. That is 13% more than in 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 | $145.1M | 167.4K t |
| 2023 | $128.6M | 159.8K t |
| 2022 | $136.8M | 177.6K t |
| 2021 | $128.3M | 172.0K t |
| 2020 | $108.0M | 177.2K t |
| 2019 | $136.5M | 259.9K t |
| 2018 | $120.6M | 111.5K t |
| 2017 | $103.4M | 176.0K t |
Where South Africa exports bulk pet food to
Most of it went to Namibia (25%), Zimbabwe (19%), Botswana (13%). Among the main buyer markets, Uganda grew fastest (+608% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $35.8M | 25% |
| Zimbabwe | $28.0M | 19% |
| Botswana | $19.3M | 13% |
| Zambia | $19.0M | 13% |
| Eswatini | $5.6M | 3.9% |
| Mozambique | $4.9M | 3.4% |
| Malawi | $4.9M | 3.3% |
| Lesotho | $4.5M | 3.1% |
| Uganda | $2.9M | 2% |
| Kenya | $2.8M | 1.9% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.87 per kg, close to the world average of $1.02.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Bulk pet food imports to South Africa
Imports of bulk pet food by South Africa reached $114.8 million in 2024 (103.0 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. The largest suppliers were Eswatini (15%), France (14%), Netherlands (8%). Trade is spread widely: the top three suppliers together make up only 37%. Among the main suppliers, United States grew fastest (+63% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Eswatini | $17.1M | 15% |
| France | $15.9M | 14% |
| Netherlands | $9.5M | 8.3% |
| United States | $9.5M | 8.3% |
| China | $9.1M | 8% |
| Austria | $7.6M | 6.6% |
| United Kingdom | $7.5M | 6.5% |
| Germany | $6.7M | 5.8% |
| Malaysia | $6.4M | 5.6% |
| Bulgaria | $6.2M | 5.4% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa bulk pet food exports (HS 2309.90): 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 2309.90: Dog or cat food: (not put up for retail sale), used in animal feeding.
Common questions
What is the value of bulk pet food exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported bulk pet food worth $145.1 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 167.4 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 31st of 184 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was up 13% on 2023.
Which countries buy bulk pet food from South Africa?
Namibia was the largest buyer with 25% of the value ($35.8 million), followed by Zimbabwe (19%) and Botswana (13%). The top three together account for 57%, out of 75 buyer countries in total. Uganda grew fastest among the top ten, up 608% on the year.
What is the average export price of bulk pet food per kg?
The average declared export value was about $0.87 per kg in 2024, 15% below the world average of $1.02 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of bulk pet food from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $103.4 million in 2017 to $145.1 million in 2024, an increase of 40%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $125.9 million a year.
Does South Africa also import bulk pet food?
Yes. South Africa imported $114.8 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Eswatini, France and the Netherlands. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $30.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for bulk pet food?
The HS code for bulk pet food is subheading 2309.90. 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?
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
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