Fresh cheese exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $4.7 million of fresh cheese in 2024 (1.2 thousand tonnes). That is 12% more than in 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
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $4.7M | 1.2K t |
| 2023 | $4.2M | 1.1K t |
| 2022 | $5.3M | 1.2K t |
| 2021 | $5.3M | 1.3K t |
| 2020 | $3.6M | 1.1K t |
| 2019 | $3.1M | 967 t |
| 2018 | $3.6M | 1.2K t |
| 2017 | $3.3M | 855 t |
Where South Africa exports fresh cheese to
The largest buyer markets were Zimbabwe (25%), Namibia (23%), Zambia (14%). Among the main buyer markets, Lesotho grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $1.2M | 25% |
| Namibia | $1.1M | 23% |
| Zambia | $664K | 14% |
| Eswatini | $518K | 11% |
| Mozambique | $383K | 8.1% |
| Botswana | $291K | 6.2% |
| Lesotho | $168K | 3.6% |
| Kuwait | $90K | 1.9% |
| DR Congo | $66K | 1.4% |
| Malawi | $64K | 1.4% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $3.92 per kg, close to the world average of $4.31.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Fresh cheese imports to South Africa
In 2024, South Africa imported fresh cheese worth $2.9 million (423 tonnes). Most of the value came from Italy (30%), Australia (27%), France (15%). Among the main suppliers, Germany grew fastest (+96% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Italy | $885K | 30% |
| Australia | $781K | 27% |
| France | $446K | 15% |
| Denmark | $303K | 10% |
| Netherlands | $272K | 9.3% |
| United Kingdom | $144K | 4.9% |
| Germany | $82K | 2.8% |
| Switzerland | $4K | 0.1% |
| United States | $4K | 0.1% |
| Egypt | $1K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa fresh cheese exports (HS 0406.10): 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 0406.10: Dairy produce: fresh cheese (including whey cheese), not fermented, and curd.
Common questions
What is the value of fresh cheese exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported fresh cheese worth $4.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.2 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 52nd of 139 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was up 12% on 2023.
Which countries buy fresh cheese from South Africa?
Zimbabwe was the largest buyer with 25% of the value ($1.2 million), followed by Namibia (23%) and Zambia (14%). The top three together account for 62%, out of 26 buyer countries in total. Malawi grew fastest among the top ten, up 53% on the year.
What is the average export price of fresh cheese per kg?
The average declared export value was about $3.92 per kg in 2024, 9% below the world average of $4.31 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of fresh cheese from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $3.3 million in 2017 to $4.7 million in 2024, an increase of 43%. The peak was 2022 at $5.3 million. Over 8 years the average was $4.1 million a year.
Does South Africa also import fresh cheese?
Yes. South Africa imported $2.9 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Italy, Australia and France. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $1.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for fresh cheese?
The HS code for fresh cheese is subheading 0406.10. 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 0406 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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