Fermented milk products exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of fermented milk products by South Africa reached $16.2 million in 2024 (12.3 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. Value rose 25% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 14% 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 | $16.2M | 12.3K t |
| 2023 | $12.9M | 10.6K t |
| 2022 | $15.2M | 13.9K t |
| 2021 | $8.3M | 8.0K t |
| 2020 | $5.7M | 7.2K t |
| 2019 | $6.5M | 6.6K t |
| 2018 | $6.9M | 7.3K t |
| 2017 | $6.4M | 6.0K t |
Where South Africa exports fermented milk products to
Most of it went to Botswana (34%), Mozambique (22%), Lesotho (12%). Among the main buyer markets, Botswana grew fastest (+257% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Botswana | $5.5M | 34% |
| Mozambique | $3.6M | 22% |
| Lesotho | $1.9M | 12% |
| Namibia | $1.8M | 11% |
| Eswatini | $1.5M | 9.1% |
| Zambia | $1.0M | 6.2% |
| DR Congo | $314K | 1.9% |
| Angola | $266K | 1.6% |
| Comoros | $37K | 0.2% |
| Malawi | $30K | 0.2% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.31 per kg, 25% below the world average of $1.75, 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 milk products imports to South Africa
South Africa imported $11.4 million of fermented milk products in 2024 (4.8 thousand tonnes). One supplier dominates: France accounted for 53% of the value. Among the main suppliers, Sweden grew fastest (+486% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| France | $6.0M | 53% |
| Netherlands | $2.6M | 22% |
| Germany | $852K | 7.5% |
| Sweden | $683K | 6% |
| United Kingdom | $395K | 3.5% |
| Lithuania | $255K | 2.2% |
| Zambia | $225K | 2% |
| Denmark | $129K | 1.1% |
| Spain | $118K | 1% |
| Poland | $101K | 0.9% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa fermented milk products exports (HS 0403.90): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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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 0403.90: Dairy produce: buttermilk, curdled milk or cream, kephir, fermented or acidified milk or cream, whether or not concentrated or containing added sweetening, flavouring, fruit or cocoa (excluding yoghurt).
Common questions
What is the value of fermented milk products exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported fermented milk products worth $16.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 12.3 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 26th of 129 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was up 25% on 2023.
Which countries buy fermented milk products from South Africa?
Botswana was the largest buyer with 34% of the value ($5.5 million), followed by Mozambique (22%) and Lesotho (12%). The top three together account for 68%, out of 35 buyer countries in total. Botswana grew fastest among the top ten, up 257% on the year.
What is the average export price of fermented milk products per kg?
The average declared export value was about $1.31 per kg in 2024, 25% below the world average of $1.75 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of fermented milk products from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $6.4 million in 2017 to $16.2 million in 2024, an increase of 151%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $9.8 million a year.
Does South Africa also import fermented milk products?
Yes. South Africa imported $11.4 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from France, the Netherlands and Germany. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $4.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for fermented milk products?
The HS code for fermented milk products is subheading 0403.90. It sits in HS chapter 04 (dairy produce; birds' eggs; natural honey; edible products of animal origin, not elsewhere specified or included). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 0403 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.
Same product, other countries
World fermented milk products trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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