Canned potatoes exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, South Africa exported canned potatoes worth $45.6 million (15.3 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. Value rose 20% 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 | $45.6M | 15.3K t |
| 2023 | $38.0M | 13.7K t |
| 2022 | $33.1M | 9.6K t |
| 2021 | $26.6M | 8.5K t |
| 2020 | $23.2M | 10.1K t |
| 2019 | $27.6M | 13.2K t |
| 2018 | $28.9M | 10.0K t |
| 2017 | $27.8M | 11.0K t |
Where South Africa exports canned potatoes to
Most of it went to Botswana (26%), Namibia (21%), Zimbabwe (13%). Among the main buyer markets, DR Congo grew fastest (+150% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Botswana | $11.9M | 26% |
| Namibia | $9.5M | 21% |
| Zimbabwe | $5.9M | 13% |
| Mozambique | $4.4M | 9.6% |
| Zambia | $3.2M | 7.1% |
| DR Congo | $2.8M | 6.2% |
| Eswatini | $2.6M | 5.6% |
| Mauritius | $1.3M | 2.8% |
| Malawi | $948K | 2.1% |
| Lesotho | $876K | 1.9% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.98 per kg, close to the world average of $3.47.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Canned potatoes imports to South Africa
Imports of canned potatoes by South Africa reached $4.5 million in 2024 (1.5 thousand tonnes). One supplier dominates: Germany accounted for 60% of the value. Among the main suppliers, Spain grew fastest (+606% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $2.7M | 60% |
| Latvia | $1.1M | 23% |
| United Kingdom | $313K | 6.9% |
| Spain | $275K | 6.1% |
| China | $70K | 1.5% |
| Netherlands | $19K | 0.4% |
| United States | $18K | 0.4% |
| Lesotho | $15K | 0.3% |
| United Arab Emirates | $12K | 0.3% |
| Zimbabwe | $12K | 0.3% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa canned potatoes exports (HS 2005.20): 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 2005.20: Vegetable preparations: potatoes, prepared or preserved otherwise than by vinegar or acetic acid, not frozen.
Common questions
What is the value of canned potatoes exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported canned potatoes worth $45.6 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 15.3 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 20th of 155 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was up 20% on 2023.
Which countries buy canned potatoes from South Africa?
Botswana was the largest buyer with 26% of the value ($11.9 million), followed by Namibia (21%) and Zimbabwe (13%). The top three together account for 60%, out of 56 buyer countries in total. The DR Congo grew fastest among the top ten, up 150% on the year.
What is the average export price of canned potatoes per kg?
The average declared export value was about $2.98 per kg in 2024, 14% below the world average of $3.47 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of canned potatoes from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $27.8 million in 2017 to $45.6 million in 2024, an increase of 64%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $31.3 million a year.
Does South Africa also import canned potatoes?
Yes. South Africa imported $4.5 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Germany, Latvia and the United Kingdom. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $41.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for canned potatoes?
The HS code for canned potatoes is subheading 2005.20. 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.
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