Canned beans (unshelled) exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, South Africa exported canned beans (unshelled) worth $7.0 million (4.1 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 2%. That is 8% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 5% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2017, at $10.4 million.
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 | $7.0M | 4.1K t |
| 2023 | $6.5M | 4.0K t |
| 2022 | $6.2M | 4.4K t |
| 2021 | $8.8M | 6.8K t |
| 2020 | $7.3M | 6.3K t |
| 2019 | $7.5M | 5.6K t |
| 2018 | $6.6M | 5.1K t |
| 2017 | $10.4M | 8.9K t |
Where South Africa exports canned beans (unshelled) to
Most of it went to Zimbabwe (34%), Mozambique (18%), Botswana (17%). Among the main buyer markets, Mozambique grew fastest (+239% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $2.4M | 34% |
| Mozambique | $1.3M | 18% |
| Botswana | $1.2M | 17% |
| Zambia | $658K | 9.4% |
| Namibia | $590K | 8.4% |
| Eswatini | $505K | 7.2% |
| Lesotho | $248K | 3.5% |
| Malawi | $63K | 0.9% |
| DR Congo | $24K | 0.3% |
| Australia | $19K | 0.3% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.70 per kg, close to the world average of $1.52.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Canned beans (unshelled) imports to South Africa
Imports of canned beans (unshelled) by South Africa reached $1.8 million in 2024 (1.6 thousand tonnes). One supplier dominates: Italy accounted for 79% of the value. Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+104% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Italy | $1.4M | 79% |
| China | $189K | 11% |
| Poland | $67K | 3.8% |
| Zimbabwe | $30K | 1.7% |
| United States | $22K | 1.2% |
| Japan | $21K | 1.2% |
| Canada | $16K | 0.9% |
| Taiwan | $14K | 0.8% |
| Eswatini | $3K | 0.2% |
| Portugal | $3K | 0.2% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa canned beans (unshelled) exports (HS 2005.59): 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 2005.59: Vegetable preparations: beans, (not shelled), prepared or preserved otherwise than by vinegar or acetic acid, not frozen.
Common questions
What is the value of canned beans (unshelled) exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported canned beans (unshelled) worth $7.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 4.1 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 17th of 131 countries worldwide, with 2% of world exports. The value was up 8% on 2023.
Which countries buy canned beans (unshelled) from South Africa?
Zimbabwe was the largest buyer with 34% of the value ($2.4 million), followed by Mozambique (18%) and Botswana (17%). The top three together account for 69%, out of 29 buyer countries in total. Australia grew fastest among the top ten, up 613% on the year.
What is the average export price of canned beans (unshelled) per kg?
The average declared export value was about $1.70 per kg in 2024, 12% above the world average of $1.52 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have exports of canned beans (unshelled) from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $10.4 million in 2017 to $7.0 million in 2024, a fall of 32%. The peak was 2017 at $10.4 million. Over 8 years the average was $7.5 million a year.
Does South Africa also import canned beans (unshelled)?
Yes. South Africa imported $1.8 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Italy, China and Poland. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $5.2 million a year.
What is the HS code for canned beans (unshelled)?
The HS code for canned beans (unshelled) is subheading 2005.59. It sits in HS chapter 20 (preparations of vegetables, fruit, nuts or other parts of plants). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2005 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
For South Africa, EximDataX reads the shipment records of the countries that trade with it and shows the companies on both sides. We can walk you through your product on a short call.
Same product, other countries
World canned beans (unshelled) trade: top importers and exporters
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