Cocoa powder imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported cocoa powder worth $39.4 million (8.2 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value rose 99% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 15% a year on average.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $39.4M | 8.2K t |
| 2023 | $19.8M | 6.3K t |
| 2022 | $17.0M | 5.9K t |
| 2021 | $22.0M | 8.4K t |
| 2020 | $16.8M | 7.4K t |
| 2019 | $13.8M | 6.8K t |
| 2018 | $12.3M | 6.1K t |
| 2017 | $14.7M | 6.4K t |
Where South Africa imports cocoa powder from
The largest suppliers were Indonesia (29%), Malaysia (28%), Spain (15%). Among the main suppliers, Indonesia grew fastest (+409% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Indonesia | $11.5M | 29% |
| Malaysia | $11.1M | 28% |
| Spain | $5.7M | 15% |
| Netherlands | $5.4M | 14% |
| Singapore | $2.7M | 6.8% |
| Germany | $1.8M | 4.6% |
| Ireland | $204K | 0.5% |
| China | $184K | 0.5% |
| Bulgaria | $171K | 0.4% |
| Peru | $162K | 0.4% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $4.80 per kg, close to the world average of $4.28.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Cocoa powder exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported cocoa powder worth $4.1 million (655 tonnes). Most of it went to Zambia (31%), Mozambique (24%), Zimbabwe (20%). Among the main buyer markets, Mauritius grew fastest (+72% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zambia | $1.3M | 31% |
| Mozambique | $979K | 24% |
| Zimbabwe | $809K | 20% |
| Eswatini | $258K | 6.2% |
| Namibia | $221K | 5.3% |
| Malawi | $184K | 4.4% |
| Mauritius | $66K | 1.6% |
| Angola | $55K | 1.3% |
| Botswana | $48K | 1.2% |
| Lesotho | $48K | 1.2% |
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 1805: Cocoa; powder, not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter.
Common questions
What is the value of cocoa powder imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported cocoa powder worth $39.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 8.2 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 32nd of 217 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 99% on 2023.
Which countries supply cocoa powder to South Africa?
Indonesia was the largest supplier with 29% of the value ($11.5 million), followed by Malaysia (28%) and Spain (15%). The top three together account for 72%, out of 27 supplier countries in total. Indonesia grew fastest among the top ten, up 409% on the year.
What is the average import price of cocoa powder per kg?
The average declared import value was about $4.80 per kg in 2024, 12% above the world average of $4.28 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 imports of cocoa powder to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $14.7 million in 2017 to $39.4 million in 2024, an increase of 167%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export cocoa powder?
Yes. South Africa exported $4.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zambia, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $35.2 million a year.
What is the HS code for cocoa powder?
The HS code for cocoa powder is heading 1805. In South Africa all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 1805.00. It sits in HS chapter 18 (cocoa and cocoa preparations). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 1805 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.
More trade data for South Africa
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