Fermented beverages exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, South Africa exported fermented beverages worth $142.6 million (153.2 thousand tonnes). That makes it the 3rd largest exporter of this product worldwide, out of 142 countries. That is 17% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 12% 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 | $142.6M | 153.2K t |
| 2023 | $122.3M | 97.2K t |
| 2022 | $127.5M | 114.8K t |
| 2021 | $84.4M | 65.4K t |
| 2020 | $58.5M | 54.8K t |
| 2019 | $79.9M | 62.4K t |
| 2018 | $74.4M | 83.4K t |
| 2017 | $62.6M | 64.2K t |
Where South Africa exports fermented beverages to
Most of it went to Botswana (27%), Zambia (14%), Namibia (14%). Among the main buyer markets, Tanzania grew fastest (+236% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Botswana | $38.5M | 27% |
| Zambia | $19.4M | 14% |
| Namibia | $19.3M | 14% |
| Mozambique | $19.0M | 13% |
| Lesotho | $13.6M | 9.5% |
| Tanzania | $8.4M | 5.9% |
| Eswatini | $8.1M | 5.7% |
| Zimbabwe | $3.5M | 2.5% |
| DR Congo | $2.4M | 1.7% |
| Ghana | $1.8M | 1.3% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.93 per kg, 33% below the world average of $1.38, 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.
Fermented beverages imports to South Africa
South Africa imported $24.7 million of fermented beverages in 2024 (7.6 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Belgium alone supplied 78% of it. Among the main suppliers, Sweden grew fastest (+170% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Belgium | $19.2M | 78% |
| Sweden | $3.8M | 15% |
| Switzerland | $932K | 3.8% |
| Germany | $192K | 0.8% |
| Japan | $164K | 0.7% |
| France | $127K | 0.5% |
| Italy | $116K | 0.5% |
| Eswatini | $73K | 0.3% |
| Lesotho | $47K | 0.2% |
| United Kingdom | $12K | 0.1% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
Public statistics stop at country totals and the last published year. EximDataX shows the shipment records underneath: the companies, dates, quantities and declared values, updated weekly.
Shipment records are in the platform
Tell us what you trade and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
Mirror data: built from the shipment records of the countries that trade with it.
Updated weekly on EximDataX (some markets daily), while public statistics stop at 2024.
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 2206: Fermented beverages, n.e.c. in chapter 22; (e.g. cider, perry, mead, sake).
Common questions
What is the value of fermented beverages exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported fermented beverages worth $142.6 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 153.2 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 3rd of 142 countries worldwide, with 7% of world exports. The value was up 17% on 2023.
Which countries buy fermented beverages from South Africa?
Botswana was the largest buyer with 27% of the value ($38.5 million), followed by Zambia (14%) and Namibia (14%). The top three together account for 54%, out of 90 buyer countries in total. Tanzania grew fastest among the top ten, up 236% on the year.
What is the average export price of fermented beverages per kg?
The average declared export value was about $0.93 per kg in 2024, 33% below the world average of $1.38 per kg. It is total declared value divided by total weight, so it blends every grade and size; use it as a benchmark, not a quote. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
How have exports of fermented beverages from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $62.6 million in 2017 to $142.6 million in 2024, an increase of 128%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import fermented beverages?
Yes. South Africa imported $24.7 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Belgium, Sweden and Switzerland. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $117.9 million a year.
What is the HS code for fermented beverages?
The HS code for fermented beverages is heading 2206. In South Africa all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 2206.00. It sits in HS chapter 22 (beverages, spirits and vinegar). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2206 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
Public statistics stop at country totals. EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, updated weekly, so you can see the companies that ship to and from it. Tell us your product and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
Same product, other countries
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