Butter and dairy spreads exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of butter and dairy spreads by South Africa reached $13.3 million in 2024 (3.0 thousand tonnes). Value rose 10% on 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 | $13.3M | 3.0K t |
| 2023 | $12.0M | 3.0K t |
| 2022 | $11.1M | 2.9K t |
| 2021 | $12.6M | 3.8K t |
| 2020 | $10.9M | 3.3K t |
| 2019 | $9.6M | 2.3K t |
| 2018 | $12.3M | 2.3K t |
| 2017 | $10.0M | 2.6K t |
Where South Africa exports butter and dairy spreads to
The largest buyer markets were Namibia (24%), Botswana (12%), Mozambique (12%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 48%. Among the main buyer markets, Lesotho grew fastest (+194% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $3.2M | 24% |
| Botswana | $1.6M | 12% |
| Mozambique | $1.5M | 12% |
| Zambia | $1.4M | 11% |
| Mauritius | $1.3M | 10% |
| DR Congo | $881K | 6.6% |
| Singapore | $708K | 5.3% |
| Lesotho | $571K | 4.3% |
| Malawi | $405K | 3.1% |
| Tanzania | $375K | 2.8% |
Product types under HS 0405
| 0405.10 | Dairy produce: derived from milk, butter | 70% |
| 0405.20 | Dairy produce: dairy spreads | 15% |
| 0405.90 | Dairy produce: fats and oils derived from milk (other than butter or dairy spreads) | 14% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 0405.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $4.48 per kg, 34% below the world average of $6.74, 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 and dairy spreads imports to South Africa
South Africa imported $7.7 million of butter and dairy spreads in 2024 (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 | $32K | 0.4% |
| India | $17K | 0.2% |
| Italy | $6K | 0.1% |
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 0405: Butter and other fats and oils derived from milk; dairy spreads.
Common questions
What is the value of butter and dairy spreads exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported butter and dairy spreads worth $13.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 3.0 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 36th of 149 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was up 10% on 2023.
Which countries buy butter and dairy spreads from South Africa?
Namibia was the largest buyer with 24% of the value ($3.2 million), followed by Botswana (12%) and Mozambique (12%). The top three together account for 48%, out of 36 buyer countries in total. Lesotho grew fastest among the top ten, up 194% on the year.
What is the average export price of butter and dairy spreads per kg?
The average declared export value was about $4.48 per kg in 2024, 34% below the world average of $6.74 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 butter and dairy spreads from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $10.0 million in 2017 to $13.3 million in 2024, an increase of 32%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import butter and dairy spreads?
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 $5.6 million a year.
What is the HS code for butter and dairy spreads?
The HS code for butter and dairy spreads is heading 0405. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 0405.10 (70% of the value) and 0405.20 (15%). 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?
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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