Fresh yellowfin tuna exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $7.1 million of fresh yellowfin tuna in 2024 (502 tonnes). Its share of world exports was 3%. That is 48% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 26% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2023, at $13.6 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
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Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $7.1M | 502 t |
| 2023 | $13.6M | 943 t |
| 2022 | $8.9M | 578 t |
| 2021 | $7.0M | 419 t |
| 2020 | $3.7M | 276 t |
| 2019 | $5.9M | 555 t |
| 2018 | $2.8M | 303 t |
| 2017 | $1.4M | 217 t |
Where South Africa exports fresh yellowfin tuna to
One buyer market dominates: United States accounted for 88% of the value.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $6.2M | 88% |
| France | $328K | 4.6% |
| Spain | $300K | 4.2% |
| Italy | $98K | 1.4% |
| Canada | $59K | 0.8% |
| Germany | $47K | 0.7% |
| Portugal | $19K | 0.3% |
| Namibia | $14K | 0.2% |
| United Kingdom | $9K | 0.1% |
| Netherlands | $4K | 0.1% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $14.10 per kg, 25% above the world average of $11.24. 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 yellowfin tuna exports (HS 0302.32): 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 0302.32: Fish: fresh or chilled, yellowfin tunas (Thunnus albacares), 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 yellowfin tuna exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported fresh yellowfin tuna worth $7.1 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 502 tonnes. That ranks it 15th of 84 countries worldwide, with 3% of world exports. The value was down 48% on 2023.
Which countries buy fresh yellowfin tuna from South Africa?
The United States was the largest buyer with 88% of the value ($6.2 million), followed by France (5%) and Spain (4%). The top three together account for 96%, out of 16 buyer countries in total. The Netherlands grew fastest among the top ten, up 98% on the year.
What is the average export price of fresh yellowfin tuna per kg?
The average declared export value was about $14.10 per kg in 2024, 25% above the world average of $11.24 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have exports of fresh yellowfin tuna from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $1.4 million in 2017 to $7.1 million in 2024, an increase of 395%. The peak was 2023 at $13.6 million. Over 8 years the average was $6.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for fresh yellowfin tuna?
The HS code for fresh yellowfin tuna is subheading 0302.32. 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?
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
World fresh yellowfin tuna trade: top importers and exporters
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