Frozen squid and cuttlefish exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, South Africa exported frozen squid and cuttlefish worth $83.4 million (9.0 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. That is 58% more than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2018, at $132.9 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 | $83.4M | 9.0K t |
| 2023 | $52.8M | 4.7K t |
| 2022 | $64.4M | 6.2K t |
| 2021 | $70.5M | 8.5K t |
| 2020 | $56.2M | 6.8K t |
| 2019 | $73.8M | 9.3K t |
| 2018 | $132.9M | 17.7K t |
| 2017 | $80.4M | 10.8K t |
Where South Africa exports frozen squid and cuttlefish to
Most of it went to Italy (42%), Spain (34%), Greece (11%). Among the main buyer markets, Spain grew fastest (+105% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Italy | $35.3M | 42% |
| Spain | $28.1M | 34% |
| Greece | $9.0M | 11% |
| Portugal | $4.3M | 5.1% |
| Croatia | $1.8M | 2.1% |
| United Kingdom | $1.2M | 1.5% |
| Cyprus | $823K | 1% |
| Slovenia | $698K | 0.8% |
| Denmark | $511K | 0.6% |
| Japan | $391K | 0.5% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $9.28 per kg, 131% above the world average of $4.02. 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 squid and cuttlefish imports to South Africa
Imports of frozen squid and cuttlefish by South Africa reached $14.6 million in 2024 (5.0 thousand tonnes). Most of the value came from China (22%), Namibia (20%), Falkland Isds (Malvinas) (14%). Among the main suppliers, South Korea grew fastest (+682% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $3.2M | 22% |
| Namibia | $3.0M | 20% |
| Falkland Isds (Malvinas) | $2.1M | 14% |
| Spain | $2.1M | 14% |
| South Korea | $1.7M | 11% |
| Argentina | $650K | 4.4% |
| United States | $639K | 4.4% |
| Taiwan | $306K | 2.1% |
| Chile | $288K | 2% |
| Myanmar | $217K | 1.5% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa frozen squid and cuttlefish exports (HS 0307.43): 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 0307.43: Molluscs: cuttle fish and squid, whether in shell or not, includes flours, meals, and pellets of molluscs, fit for human consumption, frozen.
Common questions
What is the value of frozen squid and cuttlefish exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported frozen squid and cuttlefish worth $83.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 9.0 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 16th of 115 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was up 58% on 2023.
Which countries buy frozen squid and cuttlefish from South Africa?
Italy was the largest buyer with 42% of the value ($35.3 million), followed by Spain (34%) and Greece (11%). The top three together account for 87%, out of 38 buyer countries in total. The United Kingdom grew fastest among the top ten, up 613% on the year.
What is the average export price of frozen squid and cuttlefish per kg?
The average declared export value was about $9.28 per kg in 2024, 131% above the world average of $4.02 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 squid and cuttlefish from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $80.4 million in 2017 to $83.4 million in 2024, an increase of 4%. The peak was 2018 at $132.9 million. Over 8 years the average was $76.8 million a year.
Does South Africa also import frozen squid and cuttlefish?
Yes. South Africa imported $14.6 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from China, Namibia and Falkland Isds (Malvinas). On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $68.7 million a year.
What is the HS code for frozen squid and cuttlefish?
The HS code for frozen squid and cuttlefish is subheading 0307.43. 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 0307 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
The totals here are public statistics; EximDataX adds the company names by reading partner countries' customs records for South Africa. Tell us your product to see it live.
Same product, other countries
World frozen squid and cuttlefish trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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