Maize exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of maize by South Africa reached $939.0 million in 2024 (2.92 million tonnes). It ranks 6th of 159 countries for exports of this product. That is 27% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 10% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2023, at $1.29 billion.
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 | $939.0M | 2.92M t |
| 2023 | $1.29B | 4.13M t |
| 2022 | $1.25B | 3.74M t |
| 2021 | $882.2M | 3.17M t |
| 2020 | $623.0M | 2.74M t |
| 2019 | $286.1M | 1.14M t |
| 2018 | $492.4M | 2.44M t |
| 2017 | $468.8M | 2.06M t |
Where South Africa exports maize to
Zimbabwe alone took 59% of it. Among the main buyer markets, Zimbabwe grew fastest (+344% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $551.5M | 59% |
| Namibia | $92.8M | 9.9% |
| Botswana | $78.8M | 8.4% |
| Mozambique | $55.1M | 5.9% |
| Eswatini | $44.6M | 4.8% |
| Lesotho | $32.1M | 3.4% |
| United Arab Emirates | $16.2M | 1.7% |
| Cote d'Ivoire | $5.9M | 0.6% |
| France | $5.0M | 0.5% |
| India | $4.6M | 0.5% |
Product types under HS 1005
| 1005.90 | Cereals: maize (corn), other than seed | 96% |
| 1005.10 | Cereals: maize (corn), seed | 3.7% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 1005.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.32 per kg, 33% above the world average of $0.24. 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.
Maize imports to South Africa
In 2024, South Africa imported maize worth $117.8 million (424.7 thousand tonnes). One supplier dominates: Argentina accounted for 65% of the value. Among the main suppliers, United States grew fastest (+84% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Argentina | $76.2M | 65% |
| Brazil | $21.2M | 18% |
| United States | $11.9M | 10% |
| Chile | $7.5M | 6.3% |
| New Zealand | $362K | 0.3% |
| Zambia | $283K | 0.2% |
| Zimbabwe | $81K | 0.1% |
| Thailand | $52K | 0% |
| France | $47K | 0% |
| Lesotho | $43K | 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 1005: Maize (corn).
Common questions
What is the value of maize exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported maize worth $939.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 2.92 million tonnes. That ranks it 6th of 159 countries worldwide, with 2% of world exports. The value was down 27% on 2023.
Which countries buy maize from South Africa?
Zimbabwe was the largest buyer with 59% of the value ($551.5 million), followed by Namibia (10%) and Botswana (8%). The top three together account for 77%, out of 102 buyer countries in total. Zimbabwe grew fastest among the top ten, up 344% on the year.
What is the average export price of maize per kg?
The average declared export value was about $0.32 per kg in 2024, 33% above the world average of $0.24 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 maize from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $468.8 million in 2017 to $939.0 million in 2024, an increase of 100%. The peak was 2023 at $1.29 billion. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import maize?
Yes. South Africa imported $117.8 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Argentina, Brazil and the United States. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $821.2 million a year.
What is the HS code for maize?
The HS code for maize is heading 1005. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 1005.90 (96% of the value) and 1005.10 (4%). It sits in HS chapter 10 (cereals). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 1005 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.
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