Fresh abalone exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $23.2 million of fresh abalone in 2024 (946 tonnes). That makes it the 3rd largest exporter of this product worldwide, out of 40 countries. Value fell 18% from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
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 | $23.2M | 946 t |
| 2023 | $28.4M | 1.1K t |
| 2022 | $26.1M | 981 t |
| 2021 | $23.7M | 653 t |
| 2020 | $17.3M | 549 t |
| 2019 | $15.9M | 563 t |
| 2018 | $12.8M | 479 t |
| 2017 | $21.4M | 480 t |
Where South Africa exports fresh abalone to
Most of it went to Hong Kong (48%), Taiwan (44%), China (2%).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Hong Kong | $11.2M | 48% |
| Taiwan | $10.2M | 44% |
| China | $553K | 2.4% |
| Macao | $428K | 1.9% |
| Singapore | $359K | 1.6% |
| United Arab Emirates | $205K | 0.9% |
| Malaysia | $103K | 0.5% |
| United States | $62K | 0.3% |
| Namibia | $23K | 0.1% |
| Thailand | $4K | 0% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $24.47 per kg, close to the world average of $23.01.
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 fresh abalone exports (HS 0307.81): 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 0307.81: Molluscs: abalone (Haliotis spp.), whether in shell or not, live, fresh or chilled.
Common questions
What is the value of fresh abalone exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported fresh abalone worth $23.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 946 tonnes. That ranks it 3rd of 40 countries worldwide, with 17% of world exports. The value was down 18% on 2023.
Which countries buy fresh abalone from South Africa?
Hong Kong was the largest buyer with 48% of the value ($11.2 million), followed by Taiwan (44%) and China (2%). The top three together account for 95%, out of 11 buyer countries in total. Macao grew fastest among the top ten, up 22% on the year.
What is the average export price of fresh abalone per kg?
The average declared export value was about $24.47 per kg in 2024, 6% above the world average of $23.01 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of fresh abalone from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $21.4 million in 2017 to $23.2 million in 2024, an increase of 8%. The peak was 2023 at $28.4 million. Over 8 years the average was $21.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for fresh abalone?
The HS code for fresh abalone is subheading 0307.81. 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.
More trade data for South Africa
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