Meat and fish meal exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, South Africa exported meat and fish meal worth $103.5 million (70.0 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. The value was almost unchanged from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
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 | $103.5M | 70.0K t |
| 2023 | $103.6M | 61.2K t |
| 2022 | $104.0M | 66.8K t |
| 2021 | $87.6M | 60.1K t |
| 2020 | $110.3M | 84.5K t |
| 2019 | $63.8M | 51.2K t |
| 2018 | $96.5M | 71.1K t |
| 2017 | $82.2M | 69.1K t |
Where South Africa exports meat and fish meal to
The largest buyer markets were China (22%), Spain (15%), Denmark (14%). Among the main buyer markets, Germany grew fastest (+482% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $22.5M | 22% |
| Spain | $15.0M | 15% |
| Denmark | $14.4M | 14% |
| Greece | $11.6M | 11% |
| Zambia | $7.8M | 7.6% |
| Germany | $6.6M | 6.4% |
| Norway | $6.5M | 6.3% |
| Turkey | $5.4M | 5.2% |
| Taiwan | $2.8M | 2.7% |
| Japan | $2.3M | 2.2% |
Product types under HS 2301
| 2301.20 | Flours, meals and pellets: of fish or of crustaceans, molluscs or other aquatic invertebrates | 91% |
| 2301.10 | Flours, meals and pellets: of meat or meat offal, greaves | 8.7% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 2301.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.48 per kg, 44% above the world average of $1.03. 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.
Meat and fish meal imports to South Africa
Imports of meat and fish meal by South Africa reached $36.1 million in 2024 (52.5 thousand tonnes). Most of the value came from Brazil (24%), United Kingdom (21%), Netherlands (18%). Among the main suppliers, Botswana grew fastest (+102% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Brazil | $8.6M | 24% |
| United Kingdom | $7.6M | 21% |
| Netherlands | $6.5M | 18% |
| Denmark | $4.9M | 14% |
| Spain | $2.7M | 7.5% |
| France | $1.5M | 4.3% |
| Germany | $968K | 2.7% |
| Namibia | $747K | 2.1% |
| Botswana | $698K | 1.9% |
| Uruguay | $576K | 1.6% |
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 2301: Flours, meal and pellets, of meat or meat offal, of fish or of crustaceans, molluscs or other aquatic invertebrates, unfit for human consumption; greaves.
Common questions
What is the value of meat and fish meal exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported meat and fish meal worth $103.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 70.0 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 24th of 124 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was down 0% on 2023.
Which countries buy meat and fish meal from South Africa?
China was the largest buyer with 22% of the value ($22.5 million), followed by Spain (15%) and Denmark (14%). The top three together account for 50%, out of 33 buyer countries in total. Germany grew fastest among the top ten, up 482% on the year.
What is the average export price of meat and fish meal per kg?
The average declared export value was about $1.48 per kg in 2024, 44% above the world average of $1.03 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 meat and fish meal from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $82.2 million in 2017 to $103.5 million in 2024, an increase of 26%. The peak was 2020 at $110.3 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import meat and fish meal?
Yes. South Africa imported $36.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Brazil, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $67.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for meat and fish meal?
The HS code for meat and fish meal is heading 2301. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 2301.20 (91% of the value) and 2301.10 (9%). It sits in HS chapter 23 (food industries, residues and wastes thereof; prepared animal fodder). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2301 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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