Fresh milk exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, South Africa exported fresh milk worth $69.2 million (94.3 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. That is 6% less 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 | $69.2M | 94.3K t |
| 2023 | $73.4M | 103.9K t |
| 2022 | $73.9M | 104.4K t |
| 2021 | $72.4M | 104.8K t |
| 2020 | $60.3M | 105.1K t |
| 2019 | $63.2M | 93.2K t |
| 2018 | $55.2M | 90.3K t |
| 2017 | $55.2M | 75.9K t |
Where South Africa exports fresh milk to
Most of it went to Botswana (22%), Namibia (21%), Lesotho (18%). Among the main buyer markets, Mauritius grew fastest (+119% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Botswana | $15.1M | 22% |
| Namibia | $14.2M | 21% |
| Lesotho | $12.7M | 18% |
| Mozambique | $11.2M | 16% |
| Eswatini | $9.0M | 13% |
| Mauritius | $1.8M | 2.6% |
| Zambia | $1.0M | 1.5% |
| DR Congo | $892K | 1.3% |
| Malawi | $734K | 1.1% |
| Tanzania | $695K | 1% |
Product types under HS 0401
| 0401.10 | Dairy produce: milk and cream, not concentrated, not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter, of a fat content, by weight, not exceeding 1% | 45% |
| 0401.20 | Dairy produce: milk and cream, not concentrated, not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter, of a fat content, by weight, exceeding 1% but… | 41% |
| 0401.50 | Dairy produce: milk and cream, not concentrated, not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter, of a fat content, by weight, exceeding 10% | 11% |
| 0401.40 | Dairy produce: milk and cream, not concentrated, not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter, of a fat content, by weight, exceeding 6% but… | 3.2% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 0401.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.73 per kg, 22% below the world average of $0.94, which often means bulk or lower-grade product.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Fresh milk imports to South Africa
In 2024, South Africa imported fresh milk worth $1.1 million (598 tonnes). The largest suppliers were Denmark (22%), Italy (19%), France (19%). Among the main suppliers, Denmark grew fastest (+162% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Denmark | $243K | 22% |
| Italy | $209K | 19% |
| France | $206K | 19% |
| Germany | $204K | 19% |
| China | $179K | 17% |
| United Kingdom | $22K | 2% |
| Brazil | $16K | 1.4% |
| Belgium | $7K | 0.6% |
| Taiwan | $1K | 0.1% |
| Nigeria | $1K | 0.1% |
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 0401: Milk and cream; not concentrated, not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter.
Common questions
What is the value of fresh milk exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported fresh milk worth $69.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 94.3 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 26th of 157 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was down 6% on 2023.
Which countries buy fresh milk from South Africa?
Botswana was the largest buyer with 22% of the value ($15.1 million), followed by Namibia (21%) and Lesotho (18%). The top three together account for 61%, out of 40 buyer countries in total. Mauritius grew fastest among the top ten, up 119% on the year.
What is the average export price of fresh milk per kg?
The average declared export value was about $0.73 per kg in 2024, 22% below the world average of $0.94 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 fresh milk from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $55.2 million in 2017 to $69.2 million in 2024, an increase of 25%. The peak was 2022 at $73.9 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import fresh milk?
Yes. South Africa imported $1.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Denmark, Italy and France. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $68.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for fresh milk?
The HS code for fresh milk is heading 0401. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 0401.10 (45% of the value) and 0401.20 (40%). 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 0401 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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