Dried abalone exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of dried abalone by South Africa reached $22.3 million in 2024 (181 tonnes). That makes it the largest exporter of this product worldwide, out of 36 countries. Value fell 33% from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2022, at $36.7 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
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Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $22.3M | 181 t |
| 2023 | $33.4M | 247 t |
| 2022 | $36.7M | 257 t |
| 2021 | $35.8M | 157 t |
| 2020 | $17.8M | 183 t |
| 2019 | $17.9M | 210 t |
| 2018 | $32.0M | 359 t |
| 2017 | $25.6M | 282 t |
Where South Africa exports dried abalone to
Hong Kong alone took 85% of it.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Hong Kong | $19.0M | 85% |
| China | $1.8M | 8.2% |
| Singapore | $626K | 2.8% |
| United States | $288K | 1.3% |
| Canada | $270K | 1.2% |
| Australia | $94K | 0.4% |
| Malaysia | $92K | 0.4% |
| Macao | $73K | 0.3% |
| Taiwan | $38K | 0.2% |
| France | $12K | 0.1% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $123.36 per kg, 46% above the world average of $84.45. 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 dried abalone exports (HS 0307.87): 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 0307.87: Molluscs: abalone (Haliotis spp.), whether in shell or not, dried, salted, in brine, or smoked, cooked or not before or during the smoking process.
Common questions
What is the value of dried abalone exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported dried abalone worth $22.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 181 tonnes. That ranks it 1st of 36 countries worldwide, with 27% of world exports. The value was down 33% on 2023.
Which countries buy dried abalone from South Africa?
Hong Kong was the largest buyer with 85% of the value ($19.0 million), followed by China (8%) and Singapore (3%). The top three together account for 96%, out of 12 buyer countries in total. Taiwan grew fastest among the top ten, up 991% on the year.
What is the average export price of dried abalone per kg?
The average declared export value was about $123.36 per kg in 2024, 46% above the world average of $84.45 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have exports of dried abalone from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $25.6 million in 2017 to $22.3 million in 2024, a fall of 13%. The peak was 2022 at $36.7 million. Over 8 years the average was $27.7 million a year.
What is the HS code for dried abalone?
The HS code for dried abalone is subheading 0307.87. It sits in HS chapter 03 (fish and crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 0307 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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