Frozen hake exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, South Africa exported frozen hake worth $43.7 million (14.7 thousand tonnes). It ranks 4th of 67 countries for exports of this product. That is 16% more than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2020, at $58.2 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 | $43.7M | 14.7K t |
| 2023 | $37.6M | 12.5K t |
| 2022 | $39.3M | 13.9K t |
| 2021 | $53.5M | 18.3K t |
| 2020 | $58.2M | 19.0K t |
| 2019 | $45.6M | 15.4K t |
| 2018 | $46.8M | 16.6K t |
| 2017 | $42.1M | 15.1K t |
Where South Africa exports frozen hake to
The largest buyer markets were Spain (49%), Portugal (23%), Namibia (14%). Among the main buyer markets, Namibia grew fastest (+101% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Spain | $21.4M | 49% |
| Portugal | $10.0M | 23% |
| Namibia | $6.1M | 14% |
| Italy | $4.3M | 9.9% |
| Eswatini | $543K | 1.2% |
| Switzerland | $288K | 0.7% |
| Lesotho | $229K | 0.5% |
| Slovenia | $217K | 0.5% |
| Hungary | $134K | 0.3% |
| Botswana | $101K | 0.2% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.98 per kg, 38% above the world average of $2.16. 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.
Frozen hake imports to South Africa
Imports of frozen hake by South Africa reached $19.7 million in 2024 (12.5 thousand tonnes). That makes it the 8th largest importer of this product worldwide, out of 131 countries. Namibia alone supplied 59% of it. Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+243% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $11.6M | 59% |
| Argentina | $3.3M | 17% |
| Canada | $2.6M | 13% |
| China | $810K | 4.1% |
| United States | $453K | 2.3% |
| Uruguay | $385K | 2% |
| Spain | $108K | 0.6% |
| Falkland Isds (Malvinas) | $99K | 0.5% |
| Peru | $93K | 0.5% |
| South Korea | $76K | 0.4% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa frozen hake exports (HS 0303.66): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
Tell us what you trade and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
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 0303.66: Fish: frozen, hake (Merluccius spp., Urophycis spp.), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0303.91 to 0303.99.
Common questions
What is the value of frozen hake exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported frozen hake worth $43.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 14.7 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 4th of 67 countries worldwide, with 8% of world exports. The value was up 16% on 2023.
Which countries buy frozen hake from South Africa?
Spain was the largest buyer with 49% of the value ($21.4 million), followed by Portugal (23%) and Namibia (14%). The top three together account for 86%, out of 29 buyer countries in total. Namibia grew fastest among the top ten, up 101% on the year.
What is the average export price of frozen hake per kg?
The average declared export value was about $2.98 per kg in 2024, 38% above the world average of $2.16 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of frozen hake from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $42.1 million in 2017 to $43.7 million in 2024, an increase of 4%. The peak was 2020 at $58.2 million. Over 8 years the average was $45.8 million a year.
Does South Africa also import frozen hake?
Yes. South Africa imported $19.7 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Namibia, Argentina and Canada. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $24.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for frozen hake?
The HS code for frozen hake is subheading 0303.66. 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 0303 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.
Same product, other countries
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
Everything we show you comes from official customs filings — records, not claims. 30 minutes. Your shipment. Your HS code. Real platform. If you don’t see something new about your market by the end of the call, we walk away. No follow-ups.