Fresh swordfish exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $4.3 million of fresh swordfish in 2024 (395 tonnes). That makes it the 8th largest exporter of this product worldwide, out of 65 countries. Value fell 23% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 37% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2023, at $5.7 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 | $4.3M | 395 t |
| 2023 | $5.7M | 473 t |
| 2022 | $5.2M | 368 t |
| 2021 | $3.8M | 299 t |
| 2020 | $2.3M | 219 t |
| 2019 | $4.2M | 416 t |
| 2018 | $1.5M | 217 t |
| 2017 | $484K | 137 t |
Where South Africa exports fresh swordfish to
United States alone took 99% of it.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $4.3M | 99% |
| Japan | $33K | 0.8% |
| Canada | $24K | 0.6% |
| Botswana | $0K | 0% |
| Singapore | $0K | 0% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $10.99 per kg, 22% above the world average of $8.98. 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 swordfish exports (HS 0302.47): 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 0302.47: Fish: fresh or chilled, swordfish (Xiphias gladius), 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 swordfish exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported fresh swordfish worth $4.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 395 tonnes. That ranks it 8th of 65 countries worldwide, with 3% of world exports. The value was down 23% on 2023.
Which countries buy fresh swordfish from South Africa?
The United States was the largest buyer with 99% of the value ($4.3 million), followed by Japan (1%) and Canada (1%). The top three together account for 100%, out of 5 buyer countries in total. Canada grew fastest among the top ten, up 271% on the year.
What is the average export price of fresh swordfish per kg?
The average declared export value was about $10.99 per kg in 2024, 22% above the world average of $8.98 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of fresh swordfish from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $484 thousand in 2017 to $4.3 million in 2024, an increase of 796%. The peak was 2023 at $5.7 million. Over 8 years the average was $3.4 million a year.
What is the HS code for fresh swordfish?
The HS code for fresh swordfish is subheading 0302.47. 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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