Fresh bigeye tuna exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of fresh bigeye tuna by South Africa reached $5.9 million in 2024 (399 tonnes). That makes it the 4th largest exporter of this product worldwide, out of 59 countries. That is 38% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 22% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2023, at $9.6 million.
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 | $5.9M | 399 t |
| 2023 | $9.6M | 588 t |
| 2022 | $8.8M | 531 t |
| 2021 | $6.7M | 417 t |
| 2020 | $3.8M | 304 t |
| 2019 | $5.3M | 451 t |
| 2018 | $2.7M | 301 t |
| 2017 | $1.4M | 208 t |
Where South Africa exports fresh bigeye tuna to
United States alone took 94% of it.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $5.5M | 94% |
| Japan | $310K | 5.2% |
| France | $22K | 0.4% |
| Spain | $16K | 0.3% |
| Canada | $12K | 0.2% |
| United Kingdom | $10K | 0.2% |
| Germany | $5K | 0.1% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $14.82 per kg, 32% above the world average of $11.26. 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.
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa fresh bigeye tuna exports (HS 0302.34): 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 0302.34: Fish: fresh or chilled, bigeye tunas (Thunnus obesus), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0302.91 to 0302.99.
Common questions
What is the value of fresh bigeye tuna exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported fresh bigeye tuna worth $5.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 399 tonnes. That ranks it 4th of 59 countries worldwide, with 10% of world exports. The value was down 38% on 2023.
Which countries buy fresh bigeye tuna from South Africa?
The United States was the largest buyer with 94% of the value ($5.5 million), followed by Japan (5%) and France (0%). The top three together account for 99%, out of 7 buyer countries in total. Germany grew fastest among the top ten, up 235% on the year.
What is the average export price of fresh bigeye tuna per kg?
The average declared export value was about $14.82 per kg in 2024, 32% above the world average of $11.26 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have exports of fresh bigeye tuna from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $1.4 million in 2017 to $5.9 million in 2024, an increase of 309%. The peak was 2023 at $9.6 million. Over 8 years the average was $5.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for fresh bigeye tuna?
The HS code for fresh bigeye tuna is subheading 0302.34. 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 0302 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.
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