Fresh onions imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported fresh onions worth $2.8 million (4.0 thousand tonnes). Value fell 63% from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2023, at $7.5 million.
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 | $2.8M | 4.0K t |
| 2023 | $7.5M | 10.7K t |
| 2022 | $3.2M | 5.2K t |
| 2021 | $1.9M | 3.9K t |
| 2020 | $2.3M | 5.1K t |
| 2019 | $2.0M | 4.0K t |
| 2018 | $3.0M | 6.5K t |
| 2017 | $2.3M | 6.0K t |
Where South Africa imports fresh onions from
Namibia alone supplied 68% of it. Among the main suppliers, Netherlands grew fastest (+172% on the year before).
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.70 per kg, 37% above the world average of $0.51. 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.
Fresh onions exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported fresh onions worth $35.0 million (110.4 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. One buyer market dominates: Mozambique accounted for 53% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, Mauritius grew fastest (+256% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Mozambique | $18.5M | 53% |
| Angola | $2.3M | 6.5% |
| United Kingdom | $1.9M | 5.6% |
| Netherlands | $1.9M | 5.3% |
| Eswatini | $1.8M | 5.1% |
| Spain | $1.6M | 4.6% |
| Namibia | $1.1M | 3.3% |
| Lesotho | $1.1M | 3% |
| Mauritius | $994K | 2.8% |
| DR Congo | $786K | 2.3% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa fresh onions imports (HS 0703.10): 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 0703.10: Vegetables, alliaceous: onions and shallots, fresh or chilled.
Common questions
What is the value of fresh onions imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported fresh onions worth $2.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 4.0 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 107th of 216 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 63% on 2023.
Which countries supply fresh onions to South Africa?
Namibia was the largest supplier with 68% of the value ($1.9 million), followed by the Netherlands (11%) and New Zealand (11%). The top three together account for 90%, out of 15 supplier countries in total. The Netherlands grew fastest among the top ten, up 172% on the year.
What is the average import price of fresh onions per kg?
The average declared import value was about $0.70 per kg in 2024, 37% above the world average of $0.51 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of fresh onions to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $2.3 million in 2017 to $2.8 million in 2024, an increase of 22%. The peak was 2023 at $7.5 million. Over 8 years the average was $3.1 million a year.
Does South Africa also export fresh onions?
Yes. South Africa exported $35.0 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Mozambique, Angola and the United Kingdom. That compares with imports of $2.8 million in the same year.
What is the HS code for fresh onions?
The HS code for fresh onions is subheading 0703.10. It sits in HS chapter 07 (vegetables and certain roots and tubers; edible). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 0703 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
For South Africa, EximDataX reads the shipment records of the countries that trade with it and shows the companies on both sides. We can walk you through your product on a short call.
Same product, other countries
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