Coffee substitutes imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of coffee substitutes by South Africa reached $10.4 million in 2024 (13.1 thousand tonnes). That makes it the 7th largest importer of this product worldwide, out of 180 countries. Value rose 33% on 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 .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $10.4M | 13.1K t |
| 2023 | $7.9M | 10.3K t |
| 2022 | $4.2M | 6.5K t |
| 2021 | $9.5M | 16.8K t |
| 2020 | $6.7M | 11.6K t |
| 2019 | $6.1M | 10.4K t |
| 2018 | $6.0M | 9.8K t |
| 2017 | $5.4M | 8.3K t |
Where South Africa imports coffee substitutes from
India alone supplied 99% of it. Among the main suppliers, India grew fastest (+32% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $10.4M | 99% |
| Switzerland | $21K | 0.2% |
| Germany | $15K | 0.1% |
| China | $9K | 0.1% |
| Saudi Arabia | $8K | 0.1% |
| Portugal | $7K | 0.1% |
| South Korea | $4K | 0% |
| United States | $1K | 0% |
| Namibia | $1K | 0% |
| France | $0K | 0% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.80 per kg, 74% below the world average of $3.12, 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.
Coffee substitutes exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported coffee substitutes worth $6.3 million (1.3 thousand tonnes). That makes it the 9th largest exporter of this product worldwide, out of 119 countries. Most of it went to Namibia (30%), Botswana (21%), Zimbabwe (12%). Among the main buyer markets, Mauritius grew fastest (+562% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $1.9M | 30% |
| Botswana | $1.3M | 21% |
| Zimbabwe | $775K | 12% |
| Zambia | $743K | 12% |
| Mozambique | $627K | 10% |
| DR Congo | $437K | 6.9% |
| Mauritius | $251K | 4% |
| Malawi | $173K | 2.8% |
| Seychelles | $36K | 0.6% |
| Lesotho | $18K | 0.3% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa coffee substitutes imports (HS 2101.30): 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 2101.30: Chicory, roasted and other roasted coffee substitutes: extracts, essences and concentrates thereof.
Common questions
What is the value of coffee substitutes imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported coffee substitutes worth $10.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 13.1 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 7th of 180 countries worldwide, with 5% of world imports. The value was up 33% on 2023.
Which countries supply coffee substitutes to South Africa?
India was the largest supplier with 99% of the value ($10.4 million), followed by Switzerland (0%) and Germany (0%). The top three together account for 100%, out of 19 supplier countries in total. China grew fastest among the top ten, up 713% on the year.
What is the average import price of coffee substitutes per kg?
The average declared import value was about $0.80 per kg in 2024, 74% below the world average of $3.12 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of coffee substitutes to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $5.4 million in 2017 to $10.4 million in 2024, an increase of 92%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $7.0 million a year.
Does South Africa also export coffee substitutes?
Yes. South Africa exported $6.3 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $4.2 million a year.
What is the HS code for coffee substitutes?
The HS code for coffee substitutes is subheading 2101.30. It sits in HS chapter 21 (miscellaneous edible preparations). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2101 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
The totals here are public statistics; EximDataX adds the company names by reading partner countries' customs records for South Africa. Tell us your product to see it live.
Same product, other countries
More trade data for South Africa
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