Frozen hake fillets exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of frozen hake fillets by South Africa reached $128.4 million in 2024 (22.7 thousand tonnes). It ranks 3rd of 68 countries for exports of this product. 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 | $128.4M | 22.7K t |
| 2023 | $128.9M | 22.8K t |
| 2022 | $111.3M | 23.0K t |
| 2021 | $120.2M | 23.2K t |
| 2020 | $104.6M | 21.4K t |
| 2019 | $117.8M | 21.7K t |
| 2018 | $121.9M | 23.7K t |
| 2017 | $100.5M | 19.3K t |
Where South Africa exports frozen hake fillets to
The largest buyer markets were Spain (31%), Italy (24%), United Kingdom (8%). Among the main buyer markets, Ireland grew fastest (+45% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Spain | $40.0M | 31% |
| Italy | $31.4M | 25% |
| United Kingdom | $10.2M | 8% |
| Portugal | $9.1M | 7.1% |
| Poland | $5.8M | 4.5% |
| Netherlands | $5.8M | 4.5% |
| Australia | $5.6M | 4.4% |
| France | $4.3M | 3.3% |
| Ireland | $3.2M | 2.5% |
| United States | $3.0M | 2.4% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $5.65 per kg, 26% above the world average of $4.48. 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 fillets imports to South Africa
In 2024, South Africa imported frozen hake fillets worth $20.9 million (5.7 thousand tonnes). It ranks 9th of 153 countries for imports of this product. Namibia alone supplied 98% of it.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $20.4M | 98% |
| United States | $424K | 2% |
| China | $70K | 0.3% |
| Canada | $22K | 0.1% |
| Germany | $1K | 0% |
| Australia | $0K | 0% |
| Netherlands | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa frozen hake fillets exports (HS 0304.74): 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 0304.74: Fish fillets: frozen, hake (Merluccius spp., Urophycis spp.).
Common questions
What is the value of frozen hake fillets exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported frozen hake fillets worth $128.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 22.7 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 3rd of 68 countries worldwide, with 14% of world exports. The value was down 0% on 2023.
Which countries buy frozen hake fillets from South Africa?
Spain was the largest buyer with 31% of the value ($40.0 million), followed by Italy (24%) and the United Kingdom (8%). The top three together account for 64%, out of 44 buyer countries in total. Ireland grew fastest among the top ten, up 45% on the year.
What is the average export price of frozen hake fillets per kg?
The average declared export value was about $5.65 per kg in 2024, 26% above the world average of $4.48 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 hake fillets from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $100.5 million in 2017 to $128.4 million in 2024, an increase of 28%. The peak was 2023 at $128.9 million. Over 8 years the average was $116.7 million a year.
Does South Africa also import frozen hake fillets?
Yes. South Africa imported $20.9 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Namibia, the United States and China. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $107.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for frozen hake fillets?
The HS code for frozen hake fillets is subheading 0304.74. 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 0304 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
World frozen hake fillets trade: top importers and exporters
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