Common wheat grain exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $119.5 million of common wheat grain in 2024 (335.3 thousand tonnes). Value fell 19% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 27% a year on average.
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 | $119.5M | 335.3K t |
| 2023 | $146.7M | 364.7K t |
| 2022 | $129.5M | 339.7K t |
| 2021 | $50.7M | 189.1K t |
| 2020 | $63.3M | 189.8K t |
| 2019 | $46.2M | 143.3K t |
| 2018 | $33.7M | 102.6K t |
| 2017 | $22.1M | 67.8K t |
Where South Africa exports common wheat grain to
Most of it went to Botswana (35%), Lesotho (18%), Eswatini (17%). Among the main buyer markets, Eswatini grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Botswana | $42.2M | 35% |
| Lesotho | $21.7M | 18% |
| Eswatini | $20.7M | 17% |
| Zimbabwe | $15.6M | 13% |
| Zambia | $15.2M | 13% |
| Namibia | $3.3M | 2.7% |
| DR Congo | $705K | 0.6% |
| Malaysia | $10K | 0% |
| Angola | $8K | 0% |
| United Arab Emirates | $2K | 0% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.36 per kg, 38% above the world average of $0.26. This usually points to higher-grade or processed goods.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Common wheat grain imports to South Africa
Imports of common wheat grain by South Africa reached $546.0 million in 2024 (2.08 million tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. The largest suppliers were Russia (31%), Australia (24%), Lithuania (21%). Among the main suppliers, Estonia grew fastest (+599% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Russia | $171.5M | 31% |
| Australia | $129.0M | 24% |
| Lithuania | $115.9M | 21% |
| Poland | $63.7M | 12% |
| Canada | $16.8M | 3.1% |
| Latvia | $16.4M | 3% |
| Romania | $12.5M | 2.3% |
| Estonia | $11.1M | 2% |
| United States | $5.1M | 0.9% |
| Argentina | $3.9M | 0.7% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa common wheat grain exports (HS 1001.99): 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 1001.99: Cereals: wheat and meslin, other than durum wheat, other than seed.
Common questions
What is the value of common wheat grain exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported common wheat grain worth $119.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 335.3 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 28th of 121 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was down 19% on 2023.
Which countries buy common wheat grain from South Africa?
Botswana was the largest buyer with 35% of the value ($42.2 million), followed by Lesotho (18%) and Eswatini (17%). The top three together account for 71%, out of 14 buyer countries in total. Lesotho grew fastest among the top ten, up 44% on the year.
What is the average export price of common wheat grain per kg?
The average declared export value was about $0.36 per kg in 2024, 38% above the world average of $0.26 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have exports of common wheat grain from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $22.1 million in 2017 to $119.5 million in 2024, an increase of 441%. The peak was 2023 at $146.7 million. Over 8 years the average was $76.5 million a year.
Does South Africa also import common wheat grain?
Yes. South Africa imported $546.0 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Russia, Australia and Lithuania. That compares with exports of $119.5 million in the same year.
What is the HS code for common wheat grain?
The HS code for common wheat grain is subheading 1001.99. It sits in HS chapter 10 (cereals). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 1001 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, so the companies shipping to and from it are visible. Ask for a live look at your product.
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