Food preparations imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported food preparations worth $241.7 million (41.2 thousand tonnes). Value rose 22% on 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $241.7M | 41.2K t |
| 2023 | $198.4M | 36.2K t |
| 2022 | $221.9M | 47.2K t |
| 2021 | $227.5M | 49.8K t |
| 2020 | $195.2M | 46.0K t |
| 2019 | $188.7M | 54.9K t |
| 2018 | $200.1M | 40.8K t |
| 2017 | $185.9M | 39.8K t |
Where South Africa imports food preparations from
The largest suppliers were Germany (14%), Poland (12%), United States (9%). Trade is spread widely: the top three suppliers together make up only 35%. Among the main suppliers, Italy grew fastest (+91% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $33.9M | 14% |
| Poland | $29.1M | 12% |
| United States | $22.6M | 9.3% |
| Italy | $18.4M | 7.6% |
| Netherlands | $17.6M | 7.3% |
| Denmark | $12.2M | 5.1% |
| China | $10.9M | 4.5% |
| United Kingdom | $9.4M | 3.9% |
| Ireland | $8.4M | 3.5% |
| India | $8.3M | 3.4% |
Product types under HS 2106
| 2106.90 | Food preparations: n.e.c. in item no. 2106.10 | 95% |
| 2106.10 | Protein: concentrates and textured protein substances | 5.4% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 2106.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $5.86 per kg, close to the world average of $6.09.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Food preparations exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported food preparations worth $236.7 million (81.6 thousand tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Zimbabwe (18%), Botswana (11%), Namibia (10%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 39%. Among the main buyer markets, Mauritius grew fastest (+91% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $43.3M | 18% |
| Botswana | $25.4M | 11% |
| Namibia | $24.2M | 10% |
| Mozambique | $21.2M | 9% |
| Zambia | $18.1M | 7.7% |
| Malawi | $11.0M | 4.6% |
| Nigeria | $8.6M | 3.6% |
| United Kingdom | $8.2M | 3.5% |
| Mauritius | $8.1M | 3.4% |
| Kenya | $6.9M | 2.9% |
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 2106: Food preparations not elsewhere specified or included.
Common questions
What is the value of food preparations imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported food preparations worth $241.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 41.2 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 57th of 226 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 22% on 2023.
Which countries supply food preparations to South Africa?
Germany was the largest supplier with 14% of the value ($33.9 million), followed by Poland (12%) and the United States (9%). The top three together account for 35%, out of 102 supplier countries in total. Italy grew fastest among the top ten, up 91% on the year.
What is the average import price of food preparations per kg?
The average declared import value was about $5.86 per kg in 2024, close to the world average of $6.09 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 imports of food preparations to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $185.9 million in 2017 to $241.7 million in 2024, an increase of 30%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export food preparations?
Yes. South Africa exported $236.7 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia. That compares with imports of $241.7 million in the same year.
What is the HS code for food preparations?
The HS code for food preparations is heading 2106. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 2106.90 (95% of the value) and 2106.10 (5%). It sits in HS chapter 21 (miscellaneous edible preparations). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2106 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.
More trade data for South Africa
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