Crude palm oil exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, South Africa exported crude palm oil worth $3.4 million (2.4 thousand tonnes). That is 45% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 13% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2018, at $13.7 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 | $3.4M | 2.4K t |
| 2023 | $6.2M | 5.2K t |
| 2022 | $4.5M | 2.9K t |
| 2021 | $2.2M | 1.9K t |
| 2020 | $3.2M | 3.6K t |
| 2019 | $9.2M | 12.6K t |
| 2018 | $13.7M | 16.1K t |
| 2017 | $9.3M | 10.0K t |
Where South Africa exports crude palm oil to
One buyer market dominates: Mozambique accounted for 55% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, Mozambique grew fastest (+223% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Mozambique | $1.9M | 55% |
| Zambia | $597K | 18% |
| Eswatini | $375K | 11% |
| Namibia | $181K | 5.3% |
| Botswana | $159K | 4.7% |
| Zimbabwe | $107K | 3.1% |
| Malawi | $59K | 1.7% |
| Nigeria | $46K | 1.4% |
| Lesotho | $12K | 0.4% |
| Kenya | $1K | 0% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.43 per kg, 44% above the world average of $0.99. 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.
Crude palm oil imports to South Africa
In 2024, South Africa imported crude palm oil worth $2.8 million (2.0 thousand tonnes). One supplier dominates: Malaysia accounted for 99% of the value.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Malaysia | $2.8M | 99% |
| Nigeria | $33K | 1.2% |
| Cameroon | $2K | 0.1% |
| Ghana | $1K | 0% |
| DR Congo | $1K | 0% |
| India | $0K | 0% |
| Greece | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa crude palm oil exports (HS 1511.10): 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 1511.10: Vegetable oils: palm oil and its fractions, crude, not chemically modified.
Common questions
What is the value of crude palm oil exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported crude palm oil worth $3.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 2.4 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 36th of 107 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was down 45% on 2023.
Which countries buy crude palm oil from South Africa?
Mozambique was the largest buyer with 55% of the value ($1.9 million), followed by Zambia (18%) and Eswatini (11%). The top three together account for 83%, out of 12 buyer countries in total. Mozambique grew fastest among the top ten, up 223% on the year.
What is the average export price of crude palm oil per kg?
The average declared export value was about $1.43 per kg in 2024, 44% above the world average of $0.99 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of crude palm oil from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $9.3 million in 2017 to $3.4 million in 2024, a fall of 63%. The peak was 2018 at $13.7 million. Over 8 years the average was $6.5 million a year.
Does South Africa also import crude palm oil?
Yes. South Africa imported $2.8 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Malaysia, Nigeria and Cameroon. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $595 thousand a year.
What is the HS code for crude palm oil?
The HS code for crude palm oil is subheading 1511.10. It sits in HS chapter 15 (animal, vegetable or microbial fats and oils and their cleavage products; prepared edible fats; animal or vegetable waxes). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 1511 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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