Frozen cooked rock lobster exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $22.9 million of frozen cooked rock lobster in 2024 (392 tonnes). That makes it the 9th largest exporter of this product worldwide, out of 109 countries. That is close to the 2023 level. 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 | $22.9M | 393 t |
| 2023 | $22.6M | 404 t |
| 2022 | $24.4M | 461 t |
| 2021 | $22.9M | 437 t |
| 2020 | $20.0M | 406 t |
| 2019 | $20.5M | 463 t |
| 2018 | $17.6M | 496 t |
| 2017 | $24.5M | 598 t |
Where South Africa exports frozen cooked rock lobster to
One buyer market dominates: United States accounted for 95% of the value.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $21.9M | 95% |
| Malaysia | $394K | 1.7% |
| Switzerland | $215K | 0.9% |
| Germany | $185K | 0.8% |
| Netherlands | $168K | 0.7% |
| Japan | $57K | 0.3% |
| Botswana | $15K | 0.1% |
| Namibia | $8K | 0% |
| Belgium | $6K | 0% |
| Lesotho | $5K | 0% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $58.40 per kg, 142% above the world average of $24.09. 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 frozen cooked rock lobster exports (HS 0306.11): 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 0306.11: Crustaceans: frozen, rock lobsters and other sea crawfish (Palinurus spp., Panulirus spp., Jasus spp.), in shell or not, smoked, cooked or not before or during smoking: in shell, cooked by steaming or by boiling in water.
Common questions
What is the value of frozen cooked rock lobster exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported frozen cooked rock lobster worth $22.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 392 tonnes. That ranks it 9th of 109 countries worldwide, with 4% of world exports. The value was up 2% on 2023.
Which countries buy frozen cooked rock lobster from South Africa?
The United States was the largest buyer with 95% of the value ($21.9 million), followed by Malaysia (2%) and Switzerland (1%). The top three together account for 98%, out of 19 buyer countries in total. Switzerland grew fastest among the top ten, up 178% on the year.
What is the average export price of frozen cooked rock lobster per kg?
The average declared export value was about $58.40 per kg in 2024, 142% above the world average of $24.09 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have exports of frozen cooked rock lobster from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $24.5 million in 2017 to $22.9 million in 2024, a fall of 6%. The peak was 2017 at $24.5 million. Over 8 years the average was $21.9 million a year.
What is the HS code for frozen cooked rock lobster?
The HS code for frozen cooked rock lobster is subheading 0306.11. 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?
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 frozen cooked rock lobster trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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