Frozen yellowfin tuna exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of frozen yellowfin tuna by South Africa reached $2.8 million in 2024 (852 tonnes). That is 64% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 33% a year on average.
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 | $2.8M | 852 t |
| 2023 | $1.7M | 477 t |
| 2022 | $1.3M | 337 t |
| 2021 | $297K | 110 t |
| 2020 | $1.6M | 568 t |
| 2019 | $312K | 85 t |
| 2018 | $72K | 21 t |
| 2017 | $385K | 139 t |
Where South Africa exports frozen yellowfin tuna to
Spain alone took 80% of it. Among the main buyer markets, Thailand grew fastest (+622% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Spain | $2.3M | 80% |
| Thailand | $336K | 12% |
| Portugal | $145K | 5.2% |
| Italy | $44K | 1.6% |
| Canada | $13K | 0.5% |
| Namibia | $4K | 0.2% |
| Japan | $4K | 0.1% |
| Senegal | $4K | 0.1% |
| Zambia | $2K | 0.1% |
| Mozambique | $1K | 0% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $3.29 per kg, 34% above the world average of $2.46. 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 yellowfin tuna imports to South Africa
South Africa imported $514 thousand of frozen yellowfin tuna in 2024 (96 tonnes). Namibia alone supplied 53% of it. Among the main suppliers, Taiwan grew fastest (+209% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $270K | 53% |
| Taiwan | $161K | 31% |
| Vietnam | $65K | 13% |
| Seychelles | $18K | 3.6% |
| Japan | $1K | 0.1% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa frozen yellowfin tuna exports (HS 0303.42): 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 0303.42: Fish: frozen, yellowfin tunas (Thunnus albacares), 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 yellowfin tuna exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported frozen yellowfin tuna worth $2.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 852 tonnes. That ranks it 40th of 99 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was up 64% on 2023.
Which countries buy frozen yellowfin tuna from South Africa?
Spain was the largest buyer with 80% of the value ($2.3 million), followed by Thailand (12%) and Portugal (5%). The top three together account for 97%, out of 16 buyer countries in total. Thailand grew fastest among the top ten, up 622% on the year.
What is the average export price of frozen yellowfin tuna per kg?
The average declared export value was about $3.29 per kg in 2024, 34% above the world average of $2.46 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 yellowfin tuna from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $385 thousand in 2017 to $2.8 million in 2024, an increase of 628%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $1.1 million a year.
Does South Africa also import frozen yellowfin tuna?
Yes. South Africa imported $514 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Namibia, Taiwan and Vietnam. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $2.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for frozen yellowfin tuna?
The HS code for frozen yellowfin tuna is subheading 0303.42. 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?
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 yellowfin tuna trade: top importers and exporters
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