Dead fish and shellfish exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $2.8 million of dead fish and shellfish in 2024 (998 tonnes). That is 3% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 6% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2017, at $4.4 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 | $2.8M | 998 t |
| 2023 | $2.7M | 191 t |
| 2022 | $2.0M | 734 t |
| 2021 | $1.4M | 439 t |
| 2020 | $1.6M | 650 t |
| 2019 | $3.3M | 2.0K t |
| 2018 | $3.0M | 2.1K t |
| 2017 | $4.4M | 2.5K t |
Where South Africa exports dead fish and shellfish to
Most of it went to Mauritius (33%), Kyrgyzstan (23%), Peru (11%). Among the main buyer markets, Kyrgyzstan grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.80 per kg, 211% above the world average of $0.90. 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.
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa dead fish and shellfish exports (HS 0511.91): 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 0511.91: Animal products: of fish or crustaceans, molluscs or other aquatic invertebrates: dead animals of chapter 03, unfit for human consumption.
Common questions
What is the value of dead fish and shellfish exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported dead fish and shellfish worth $2.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 998 tonnes. That ranks it 45th of 125 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was up 3% on 2023.
Which countries buy dead fish and shellfish from South Africa?
Mauritius was the largest buyer with 33% of the value ($921 thousand), followed by Kyrgyzstan (23%) and Peru (11%). The top three together account for 67%, out of 29 buyer countries in total. Denmark grew fastest among the top ten, up 189% on the year.
What is the average export price of dead fish and shellfish per kg?
The average declared export value was about $2.80 per kg in 2024, 211% above the world average of $0.90 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have exports of dead fish and shellfish from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $4.4 million in 2017 to $2.8 million in 2024, a fall of 37%. The peak was 2017 at $4.4 million. Over 8 years the average was $2.6 million a year.
What is the HS code for dead fish and shellfish?
The HS code for dead fish and shellfish is subheading 0511.91. It sits in HS chapter 05 (animal originated products; not elsewhere specified or included). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 0511 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.
Same product, other countries
World dead fish and shellfish trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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