Fresh rock lobster exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $19.4 million of fresh rock lobster in 2024 (438 tonnes). It ranks 7th of 82 countries for exports of this product. That is 19% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 9% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2018, at $40.6 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 | $19.4M | 438 t |
| 2023 | $16.3M | 391 t |
| 2022 | $20.8M | 537 t |
| 2021 | $31.9M | 897 t |
| 2020 | $25.0M | 777 t |
| 2019 | $34.9M | 957 t |
| 2018 | $40.6M | 1.3K t |
| 2017 | $37.8M | 1.2K t |
Where South Africa exports fresh rock lobster to
China alone took 84% of it. Among the main buyer markets, Hong Kong grew fastest (+204% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $16.2M | 84% |
| Italy | $1.1M | 5.8% |
| Hong Kong | $977K | 5% |
| Taiwan | $609K | 3.1% |
| France | $365K | 1.9% |
| Japan | $88K | 0.5% |
| Switzerland | $4K | 0% |
| Kenya | $1K | 0% |
| DR Congo | $1K | 0% |
| Zambia | $0K | 0% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $44.22 per kg, close to the world average of $41.23.
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 rock lobster exports (HS 0306.31): 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 0306.31: Crustaceans: live, fresh or chilled, rock lobsters and other sea crawfish (Palinurus spp., Panulirus spp., Jasus spp.), in shell or not.
Common questions
What is the value of fresh rock lobster exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported fresh rock lobster worth $19.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 438 tonnes. That ranks it 7th of 82 countries worldwide, with 2% of world exports. The value was up 19% on 2023.
Which countries buy fresh rock lobster from South Africa?
China was the largest buyer with 84% of the value ($16.2 million), followed by Italy (6%) and Hong Kong (5%). The top three together account for 94%, out of 10 buyer countries in total. Hong Kong grew fastest among the top ten, up 204% on the year.
What is the average export price of fresh rock lobster per kg?
The average declared export value was about $44.22 per kg in 2024, 7% above the world average of $41.23 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of fresh rock lobster from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $37.8 million in 2017 to $19.4 million in 2024, a fall of 49%. The peak was 2018 at $40.6 million. Over 8 years the average was $28.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for fresh rock lobster?
The HS code for fresh rock lobster is subheading 0306.31. 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 0306 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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