Frozen whole chickens imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of frozen whole chickens by South Africa reached $153.6 million in 2024 (256.7 thousand tonnes). It ranks 6th of 215 countries for imports of this product. Value rose 285% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 18% a year on average.
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 | $153.6M | 256.7K t |
| 2023 | $39.9M | 145.6K t |
| 2022 | $41.7M | 118.2K t |
| 2021 | $58.2M | 131.6K t |
| 2020 | $51.0M | 151.8K t |
| 2019 | $54.5M | 145.2K t |
| 2018 | $37.8M | 112.8K t |
| 2017 | $49.5M | 144.6K t |
Where South Africa imports frozen whole chickens from
Brazil alone supplied 87% of it. Among the main suppliers, Brazil grew fastest (+322% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Brazil | $133.7M | 87% |
| Spain | $11.0M | 7.2% |
| Netherlands | $2.2M | 1.5% |
| Argentina | $2.2M | 1.4% |
| Poland | $1.6M | 1.1% |
| Thailand | $1.6M | 1.1% |
| Ireland | $340K | 0.2% |
| Uruguay | $321K | 0.2% |
| Denmark | $263K | 0.2% |
| United States | $105K | 0.1% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.60 per kg, 64% below the world average of $1.66, which often means bulk or lower-grade product.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Frozen whole chickens exports from South Africa
Exports of frozen whole chickens by South Africa reached $18.5 million in 2024 (15.5 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. Most of it went to Mozambique (30%), Botswana (23%), Eswatini (17%). Among the main buyer markets, Eswatini grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Mozambique | $5.6M | 31% |
| Botswana | $4.3M | 23% |
| Eswatini | $3.1M | 17% |
| Namibia | $2.2M | 12% |
| Zimbabwe | $1.1M | 5.7% |
| Lesotho | $790K | 4.3% |
| DR Congo | $784K | 4.2% |
| Zambia | $303K | 1.6% |
| Seychelles | $156K | 0.8% |
| Ghana | $68K | 0.4% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa frozen whole chickens imports (HS 0207.12): 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 0207.12: Meat and edible offal: of fowls of the species Gallus domesticus, not cut in pieces, frozen.
Common questions
What is the value of frozen whole chickens imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported frozen whole chickens worth $153.6 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 256.7 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 6th of 215 countries worldwide, with 4% of world imports. The value was up 285% on 2023.
Which countries supply frozen whole chickens to South Africa?
Brazil was the largest supplier with 87% of the value ($133.7 million), followed by Spain (7%) and the Netherlands (1%). The top three together account for 96%, out of 21 supplier countries in total. Denmark grew fastest among the top ten, up 343% on the year.
What is the average import price of frozen whole chickens per kg?
The average declared import value was about $0.60 per kg in 2024, 64% below the world average of $1.66 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of frozen whole chickens to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $49.5 million in 2017 to $153.6 million in 2024, an increase of 210%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $60.8 million a year.
Does South Africa also export frozen whole chickens?
Yes. South Africa exported $18.5 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Mozambique, Botswana and Eswatini. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $135.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for frozen whole chickens?
The HS code for frozen whole chickens is subheading 0207.12. It sits in HS chapter 02 (meat and edible meat offal). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 0207 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 whole chickens trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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