Frozen sardines and sprats imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported frozen sardines and sprats worth $76.6 million (81.8 thousand tonnes). That makes it the 3rd largest importer of this product worldwide, out of 176 countries. That is 39% more than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2022, at $114.6 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $76.6M | 81.8K t |
| 2023 | $55.2M | 57.4K t |
| 2022 | $114.6M | 117.6K t |
| 2021 | $65.9M | 68.3K t |
| 2020 | $44.5M | 48.4K t |
| 2019 | $72.0M | 83.2K t |
| 2018 | $58.7M | 75.4K t |
| 2017 | $48.9M | 54.7K t |
Where South Africa imports frozen sardines and sprats from
The largest suppliers were Morocco (30%), China (27%), South Korea (18%). Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Morocco | $23.0M | 30% |
| China | $20.7M | 27% |
| South Korea | $13.5M | 18% |
| Mexico | $4.5M | 5.9% |
| United Kingdom | $3.1M | 4.1% |
| Russia | $2.7M | 3.6% |
| Mauritania | $2.3M | 3% |
| Netherlands | $2.2M | 2.9% |
| Spain | $1.6M | 2.1% |
| Namibia | $1.5M | 2% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.94 per kg, close to the world average of $0.81.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Frozen sardines and sprats exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $2.5 million of frozen sardines and sprats in 2024 (1.8 thousand tonnes). One buyer market dominates: Mauritius accounted for 58% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, Mauritius grew fastest (+82% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Mauritius | $1.5M | 58% |
| Namibia | $747K | 30% |
| Zambia | $180K | 7.1% |
| New Caledonia | $48K | 1.9% |
| Mozambique | $42K | 1.7% |
| Malawi | $19K | 0.7% |
| Australia | $7K | 0.3% |
| Zimbabwe | $6K | 0.2% |
| Lesotho | $5K | 0.2% |
| Botswana | $2K | 0.1% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa frozen sardines and sprats imports (HS 0303.53): 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 0303.53: Fish: frozen, sardines (Sardina pilchardus, Sardinops spp.), sardinella (Sardinella spp.), brisling or sprats (Sprattus sprattus), 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 sardines and sprats imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported frozen sardines and sprats worth $76.6 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 81.8 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 3rd of 176 countries worldwide, with 11% of world imports. The value was up 39% on 2023.
Which countries supply frozen sardines and sprats to South Africa?
Morocco was the largest supplier with 30% of the value ($23.0 million), followed by China (27%) and South Korea (18%). The top three together account for 75%, out of 17 supplier countries in total. Mexico grew fastest among the top ten, up 337% on the year.
What is the average import price of frozen sardines and sprats per kg?
The average declared import value was about $0.94 per kg in 2024, 16% above the world average of $0.81 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of frozen sardines and sprats to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $48.9 million in 2017 to $76.6 million in 2024, an increase of 57%. The peak was 2022 at $114.6 million. Over 8 years the average was $67.0 million a year.
Does South Africa also export frozen sardines and sprats?
Yes. South Africa exported $2.5 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Mauritius, Namibia and Zambia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $74.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for frozen sardines and sprats?
The HS code for frozen sardines and sprats is subheading 0303.53. 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
World frozen sardines and sprats trade: top importers and exporters
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