Infant formula exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $67.0 million of infant formula in 2024 (12.6 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. That is 4% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 14% 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 | $67.0M | 12.6K t |
| 2023 | $69.7M | 13.6K t |
| 2022 | $58.2M | 11.4K t |
| 2021 | $56.4M | 11.8K t |
| 2020 | $47.0M | 13.9K t |
| 2019 | $44.2M | 11.7K t |
| 2018 | $31.4M | 6.9K t |
| 2017 | $27.0M | 5.7K t |
Where South Africa exports infant formula to
Most of it went to Mozambique (26%), Zambia (14%), Botswana (14%). Among the main buyer markets, Burkina Faso grew fastest (+42% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Mozambique | $17.4M | 26% |
| Zambia | $9.6M | 14% |
| Botswana | $9.4M | 14% |
| Namibia | $5.0M | 7.5% |
| Cameroon | $3.5M | 5.2% |
| Zimbabwe | $3.5M | 5.2% |
| Lesotho | $2.2M | 3.2% |
| Cote d'Ivoire | $2.0M | 2.9% |
| Eswatini | $1.7M | 2.5% |
| Burkina Faso | $1.7M | 2.5% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $5.34 per kg, 38% below the world average of $8.59, 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.
Infant formula imports to South Africa
In 2024, South Africa imported infant formula worth $25.4 million (3.0 thousand tonnes). Most of the value came from France (43%), Switzerland (25%), Germany (16%). Among the main suppliers, France grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| France | $11.0M | 44% |
| Switzerland | $6.4M | 25% |
| Germany | $4.1M | 16% |
| Denmark | $2.3M | 9.1% |
| Netherlands | $620K | 2.4% |
| Portugal | $377K | 1.5% |
| Ireland | $196K | 0.8% |
| Croatia | $171K | 0.7% |
| Spain | $93K | 0.4% |
| United Kingdom | $83K | 0.3% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa infant formula exports (HS 1901.10): 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 1901.10: Food preparations: of flour, meal, starch, malt extract or milk products, suitable for infants or young children, put up for retail sale.
Common questions
What is the value of infant formula exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported infant formula worth $67.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 12.6 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 23rd of 146 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was down 4% on 2023.
Which countries buy infant formula from South Africa?
Mozambique was the largest buyer with 26% of the value ($17.4 million), followed by Zambia (14%) and Botswana (14%). The top three together account for 54%, out of 64 buyer countries in total. Burkina Faso grew fastest among the top ten, up 42% on the year.
What is the average export price of infant formula per kg?
The average declared export value was about $5.34 per kg in 2024, 38% below the world average of $8.59 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of infant formula from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $27.0 million in 2017 to $67.0 million in 2024, an increase of 149%. The peak was 2023 at $69.7 million. Over 8 years the average was $50.1 million a year.
Does South Africa also import infant formula?
Yes. South Africa imported $25.4 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from France, Switzerland and Germany. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $41.7 million a year.
What is the HS code for infant formula?
The HS code for infant formula is subheading 1901.10. It sits in HS chapter 19 (preparations of cereals, flour, starch or milk; pastrycooks' products). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 1901 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.
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