Grated cheese exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $6.7 million of grated cheese in 2024 (1.6 thousand tonnes). Value rose 10% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 45% 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 | $6.7M | 1.6K t |
| 2023 | $6.1M | 1.3K t |
| 2022 | $6.1M | 1.4K t |
| 2021 | $4.0M | 801 t |
| 2020 | $1.5M | 314 t |
| 2019 | $2.5M | 547 t |
| 2018 | $1.7M | 350 t |
| 2017 | $490K | 107 t |
Where South Africa exports grated cheese to
Zimbabwe alone took 50% of it. Among the main buyer markets, Tanzania grew fastest (+142% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $3.4M | 50% |
| Mauritius | $1.3M | 19% |
| Zambia | $361K | 5.4% |
| Ghana | $346K | 5.1% |
| Saudi Arabia | $312K | 4.6% |
| Tanzania | $231K | 3.4% |
| Nigeria | $158K | 2.4% |
| Seychelles | $126K | 1.9% |
| Botswana | $107K | 1.6% |
| Mozambique | $107K | 1.6% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $4.15 per kg, 35% below the world average of $6.39, 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.
Grated cheese imports to South Africa
South Africa imported $346 thousand of grated cheese in 2024 (53 tonnes). One supplier dominates: France accounted for 59% of the value. Among the main suppliers, Denmark grew fastest (+377% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| France | $204K | 59% |
| Denmark | $84K | 24% |
| Netherlands | $43K | 12% |
| Belgium | $13K | 3.6% |
| Italy | $2K | 0.7% |
| New Zealand | $0K | 0.1% |
| United States | $0K | 0% |
| Japan | $0K | 0% |
| Germany | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa grated cheese exports (HS 0406.20): 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 0406.20: Dairy produce: cheese of all kinds, grated or powdered.
Common questions
What is the value of grated cheese exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported grated cheese worth $6.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.6 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 23rd of 105 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was up 10% on 2023.
Which countries buy grated cheese from South Africa?
Zimbabwe was the largest buyer with 50% of the value ($3.4 million), followed by Mauritius (19%) and Zambia (5%). The top three together account for 75%, out of 27 buyer countries in total. Tanzania grew fastest among the top ten, up 142% on the year.
What is the average export price of grated cheese per kg?
The average declared export value was about $4.15 per kg in 2024, 35% below the world average of $6.39 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have exports of grated cheese from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $490 thousand in 2017 to $6.7 million in 2024. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $3.6 million a year.
Does South Africa also import grated cheese?
Yes. South Africa imported $346 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly from France, Denmark and the Netherlands. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $6.4 million a year.
What is the HS code for grated cheese?
The HS code for grated cheese is subheading 0406.20. It sits in HS chapter 04 (dairy produce; birds' eggs; natural honey; edible products of animal origin, not elsewhere specified or included). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 0406 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
More trade data for South Africa
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