Butter exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, South Africa exported butter worth $9.3 million (1.8 thousand tonnes). That is 15% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 10% a year on average.
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 | $9.3M | 1.8K t |
| 2023 | $8.1M | 1.7K t |
| 2022 | $8.1M | 1.8K t |
| 2021 | $7.2M | 1.6K t |
| 2020 | $6.9M | 1.6K t |
| 2019 | $6.7M | 1.4K t |
| 2018 | $8.4M | 1.6K t |
| 2017 | $4.7M | 1.1K t |
Where South Africa exports butter to
Most of it went to Namibia (18%), Mauritius (14%), Zambia (12%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 44%. Among the main buyer markets, DR Congo grew fastest (+180% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $1.7M | 18% |
| Mauritius | $1.3M | 14% |
| Zambia | $1.1M | 12% |
| Botswana | $1.1M | 12% |
| Mozambique | $1.0M | 11% |
| Singapore | $708K | 7.6% |
| DR Congo | $651K | 7% |
| Malawi | $331K | 3.6% |
| Tanzania | $330K | 3.5% |
| Seychelles | $176K | 1.9% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $5.14 per kg, 24% below the world average of $6.72, 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.
Butter imports to South Africa
In 2024, South Africa imported butter worth $7.7 million (1.2 thousand tonnes). Most of the value came from Uruguay (26%), Denmark (20%), Australia (19%). Among the main suppliers, Uruguay grew fastest (+173% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Uruguay | $2.0M | 26% |
| Denmark | $1.5M | 20% |
| Australia | $1.4M | 19% |
| United Kingdom | $1.2M | 16% |
| Ireland | $1.1M | 15% |
| France | $176K | 2.3% |
| New Zealand | $130K | 1.7% |
| Belgium | $30K | 0.4% |
| Portugal | $1K | 0% |
| Italy | $1K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa butter exports (HS 0405.10): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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.
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 0405.10: Dairy produce: derived from milk, butter.
Common questions
What is the value of butter exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported butter worth $9.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.8 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 36th of 141 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was up 15% on 2023.
Which countries buy butter from South Africa?
Namibia was the largest buyer with 18% of the value ($1.7 million), followed by Mauritius (14%) and Zambia (12%). The top three together account for 44%, out of 28 buyer countries in total. The DR Congo grew fastest among the top ten, up 180% on the year.
What is the average export price of butter per kg?
The average declared export value was about $5.14 per kg in 2024, 24% below the world average of $6.72 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of butter from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $4.7 million in 2017 to $9.3 million in 2024, an increase of 98%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $7.4 million a year.
Does South Africa also import butter?
Yes. South Africa imported $7.7 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Uruguay, Denmark and Australia. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $1.7 million a year.
What is the HS code for butter?
The HS code for butter is subheading 0405.10. It sits in HS chapter 04 (dairy produce; birds' eggs; natural honey; edible products of animal origin, not elsewhere specified or included). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 0405 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, so the companies shipping to and from it are visible. Ask for a live look at your product.
Same product, other countries
More trade data for South Africa
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
Everything we show you comes from official customs filings — records, not claims. 30 minutes. Your shipment. Your HS code. Real platform. If you don’t see something new about your market by the end of the call, we walk away. No follow-ups.