Lamb and mutton exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $84.6 million of lamb and mutton in 2024 (11.5 thousand tonnes). That makes it the 10th largest exporter of this product worldwide, out of 125 countries. That is 71% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 55% 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 | $84.6M | 11.5K t |
| 2023 | $49.6M | 6.4K t |
| 2022 | $40.4M | 5.2K t |
| 2021 | $20.2M | 3.7K t |
| 2020 | $12.6M | 2.2K t |
| 2019 | $5.4M | 965 t |
| 2018 | $4.5M | 881 t |
| 2017 | $4.0M | 1.0K t |
Where South Africa exports lamb and mutton to
Most of it went to Kuwait (23%), United Arab Emirates (19%), Qatar (18%). Among the main buyer markets, Jordan grew fastest (+893% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Kuwait | $19.7M | 23% |
| United Arab Emirates | $16.1M | 19% |
| Qatar | $15.3M | 18% |
| Iran | $12.5M | 15% |
| Jordan | $12.5M | 15% |
| Saudi Arabia | $3.1M | 3.7% |
| Ethiopia | $967K | 1.1% |
| Lesotho | $874K | 1% |
| Nigeria | $726K | 0.9% |
| Seychelles | $513K | 0.6% |
Product types under HS 0204
| 0204.10 | Meat: of sheep, lamb carcasses and half-carcasses, fresh or chilled | 77% |
| 0204.21 | Meat: of sheep, carcasses and half-carcasses (excluding carcasses and half-carcasses of lamb), fresh or chilled | 16% |
| 0204.43 | Meat: of sheep (including lamb), boneless cuts, frozen | 1.6% |
| 0204.42 | Meat: of sheep (including lamb), cuts with bone in (excluding carcasses and half-carcasses), frozen | 1.6% |
| 0204.22 | Meat: of sheep (including lamb), cuts with bone in (excluding carcasses and half-carcasses), fresh or chilled | 1.4% |
| 0204.30 | Meat: of sheep, lamb carcasses and half-carcasses, frozen | 1.1% |
| 0204.23 | Meat: of sheep (including lamb), boneless cuts, fresh or chilled | 0.6% |
| 0204.50 | Meat: of goats, fresh, chilled or frozen | 0.4% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 0204.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $7.37 per kg, close to the world average of $6.21.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Lamb and mutton imports to South Africa
South Africa imported $6.6 million of lamb and mutton in 2024 (3.7 thousand tonnes). Australia alone supplied 61% of it. Among the main suppliers, New Zealand grew fastest (+114% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | $4.0M | 61% |
| Namibia | $1.5M | 22% |
| New Zealand | $993K | 15% |
| United Kingdom | $117K | 1.8% |
| Netherlands | $16K | 0.2% |
| Kenya | $0K | 0% |
| Taiwan | $0K | 0% |
| Nepal | $0K | 0% |
| Sweden | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
Public statistics stop at country totals and the last published year. EximDataX shows the shipment records underneath: the companies, dates, quantities and declared values, updated weekly.
Shipment records are in the platform
Tell us what you trade and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
Mirror data: built from the shipment records of the countries that trade with it.
Updated weekly on EximDataX (some markets daily), while public statistics stop at 2024.
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 0204: Meat of sheep or goats; fresh, chilled or frozen.
Common questions
What is the value of lamb and mutton exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported lamb and mutton worth $84.6 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 11.5 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 10th of 125 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was up 71% on 2023.
Which countries buy lamb and mutton from South Africa?
Kuwait was the largest buyer with 23% of the value ($19.7 million), followed by the United Arab Emirates (19%) and Qatar (18%). The top three together account for 60%, out of 47 buyer countries in total. Jordan grew fastest among the top ten, up 893% on the year.
What is the average export price of lamb and mutton per kg?
The average declared export value was about $7.37 per kg in 2024, 19% above the world average of $6.21 per kg. It is total declared value divided by total weight, so it blends every grade and size; use it as a benchmark, not a quote. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
How have exports of lamb and mutton from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $4.0 million in 2017 to $84.6 million in 2024. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import lamb and mutton?
Yes. South Africa imported $6.6 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Australia, Namibia and New Zealand. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $77.9 million a year.
What is the HS code for lamb and mutton?
The HS code for lamb and mutton is heading 0204. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 0204.10 (77% of the value) and 0204.21 (16%). It sits in HS chapter 02 (meat and edible meat offal). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 0204 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
Public statistics stop at country totals. EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, updated weekly, so you can see the companies that ship to and from it. Tell us your product and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
More trade data for South Africa
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