Melons and papayas exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of melons and papayas by South Africa reached $15.9 million in 2024 (8.6 thousand tonnes). That is 28% more than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2017, at $21.9 million.
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 | $15.9M | 8.6K t |
| 2023 | $12.4M | 7.8K t |
| 2022 | $6.4M | 6.8K t |
| 2021 | $11.9M | 9.1K t |
| 2020 | $5.5M | 5.7K t |
| 2019 | $13.1M | 10.5K t |
| 2018 | $20.6M | 9.0K t |
| 2017 | $21.9M | 12.6K t |
Where South Africa exports melons and papayas to
United Kingdom alone took 60% of it. Among the main buyer markets, Mauritius grew fastest (+186% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | $9.5M | 60% |
| Netherlands | $1.7M | 11% |
| Mauritius | $661K | 4.2% |
| United Arab Emirates | $562K | 3.5% |
| Mozambique | $500K | 3.2% |
| Botswana | $421K | 2.7% |
| Switzerland | $416K | 2.6% |
| Namibia | $374K | 2.4% |
| Eswatini | $315K | 2% |
| Lesotho | $287K | 1.8% |
Product types under HS 0807
| 0807.19 | Fruit, edible: melons, other than watermelons, fresh | 62% |
| 0807.11 | Fruit, edible: watermelons, fresh | 32% |
| 0807.20 | Fruit, edible: papaws (papayas), fresh | 6.1% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 0807.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.85 per kg, 168% above the world average of $0.69. 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.
Melons and papayas imports to South Africa
In 2024, South Africa imported melons and papayas worth $2.1 million (6.3 thousand tonnes). One supplier dominates: Mozambique accounted for 50% of the value. Among the main suppliers, Namibia grew fastest (+60% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Mozambique | $1.0M | 50% |
| Namibia | $988K | 47% |
| Zimbabwe | $49K | 2.4% |
| United Kingdom | $5K | 0.3% |
| Nigeria | $0K | 0% |
| United States | $0K | 0% |
| India | $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 0807: Melons (including watermelons) and papaws (papayas); fresh.
Common questions
What is the value of melons and papayas exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported melons and papayas worth $15.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 8.6 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 31st of 164 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was up 28% on 2023.
Which countries buy melons and papayas from South Africa?
The United Kingdom was the largest buyer with 60% of the value ($9.5 million), followed by the Netherlands (11%) and Mauritius (4%). The top three together account for 75%, out of 47 buyer countries in total. Mauritius grew fastest among the top ten, up 186% on the year.
What is the average export price of melons and papayas per kg?
The average declared export value was about $1.85 per kg in 2024, 168% above the world average of $0.69 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 melons and papayas from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $21.9 million in 2017 to $15.9 million in 2024, a fall of 28%. The peak was 2017 at $21.9 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import melons and papayas?
Yes. South Africa imported $2.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Mozambique, Namibia and Zimbabwe. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $13.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for melons and papayas?
The HS code for melons and papayas is heading 0807. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 0807.19 (62% of the value) and 0807.11 (32%). It sits in HS chapter 08 (fruit and nuts, edible; peel of citrus fruit or melons). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 0807 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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