Fish and marine oil exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $59.7 million of fish and marine oil in 2024 (10.4 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. That is 9% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 31% 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 | $59.7M | 10.4K t |
| 2023 | $54.8M | 10.7K t |
| 2022 | $52.4M | 16.7K t |
| 2021 | $10.6M | 5.8K t |
| 2020 | $17.6M | 8.8K t |
| 2019 | $5.5M | 3.7K t |
| 2018 | $13.3M | 7.7K t |
| 2017 | $9.2M | 6.8K t |
Where South Africa exports fish and marine oil to
The largest buyer markets were Denmark (38%), Norway (28%), United Kingdom (22%). Among the main buyer markets, Australia grew fastest (+242% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Denmark | $22.8M | 38% |
| Norway | $16.7M | 28% |
| United Kingdom | $13.3M | 22% |
| Australia | $3.3M | 5.6% |
| France | $3.0M | 5.1% |
| Chile | $398K | 0.7% |
| Canada | $71K | 0.1% |
| Zimbabwe | $39K | 0.1% |
| Kenya | $34K | 0.1% |
| Namibia | $11K | 0% |
Product types under HS 1504
| 1504.20 | Fats and oils and their fractions: of fish, (excluding liver-oils) | 100% |
| 1504.10 | Oils of fish: fish-liver oils and their fractions, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified | 0% |
| 1504.30 | Fats and oils and their fractions: of marine mammals | 0% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 1504.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $5.73 per kg, 33% above the world average of $4.30. 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.
Fish and marine oil imports to South Africa
In 2024, South Africa imported fish and marine oil worth $3.4 million (427 tonnes). Most of the value came from France (34%), China (27%), Norway (11%). Among the main suppliers, Switzerland grew fastest (+894% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| France | $1.2M | 34% |
| China | $925K | 27% |
| Norway | $389K | 11% |
| Iceland | $214K | 6.2% |
| Namibia | $172K | 5% |
| Belgium | $167K | 4.9% |
| Switzerland | $161K | 4.7% |
| Canada | $111K | 3.2% |
| United States | $93K | 2.7% |
| India | $25K | 0.7% |
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 1504: Fats and oils and their fractions of fish or marine mammals; whether or not refined, but not chemically modified.
Common questions
What is the value of fish and marine oil exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported fish and marine oil worth $59.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 10.4 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 17th of 114 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was up 9% on 2023.
Which countries buy fish and marine oil from South Africa?
Denmark was the largest buyer with 38% of the value ($22.8 million), followed by Norway (28%) and the United Kingdom (22%). The top three together account for 88%, out of 22 buyer countries in total. Canada grew fastest among the top ten, up 413% on the year.
What is the average export price of fish and marine oil per kg?
The average declared export value was about $5.73 per kg in 2024, 33% above the world average of $4.30 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 fish and marine oil from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $9.2 million in 2017 to $59.7 million in 2024, an increase of 546%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import fish and marine oil?
Yes. South Africa imported $3.4 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from France, China and Norway. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $56.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for fish and marine oil?
The HS code for fish and marine oil is heading 1504. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 1504.20 (100% of the value) and 1504.10 (0%). 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 1504 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.
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