Mineral water imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported mineral water worth $173.4 million (5.4 thousand tonnes). It ranks 10th of 224 countries for imports of this product. Value rose 149% on 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 .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $173.4M | 5.4K t |
| 2023 | $69.6M | 15.4K t |
| 2022 | $81.4M | 5.1K t |
| 2021 | $59.8M | 5.4K t |
| 2020 | $59.2M | 14.8K t |
| 2019 | $3.6M | 7.4K t |
| 2018 | $68.2M | 18.5K t |
| 2017 | $70.2M | 4.6K t |
Where South Africa imports mineral water from
Lesotho alone supplied 98% of it. Among the main suppliers, Lesotho grew fastest (+157% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Lesotho | $170.2M | 98% |
| Italy | $1.9M | 1.1% |
| United Kingdom | $202K | 0.1% |
| Norway | $158K | 0.1% |
| Iceland | $142K | 0.1% |
| France | $111K | 0.1% |
| Portugal | $77K | 0% |
| Mozambique | $69K | 0% |
| Bahrain | $56K | 0% |
| Botswana | $51K | 0% |
Product types under HS 2201
| 2201.10 | Waters: mineral and aerated, including natural or artificial, (not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter nor flavoured) | 100% |
| 2201.90 | Waters: other than mineral and aerated, (not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter nor flavoured), ice and snow | 0.2% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 2201.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $32.29 per kg, 80625% above the world average of $0.04. 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.
Mineral water exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported mineral water worth $7.8 million (15.5 thousand tonnes). One buyer market dominates: Namibia accounted for 52% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, Botswana grew fastest (+166% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $4.1M | 52% |
| Eswatini | $901K | 12% |
| Lesotho | $871K | 11% |
| Botswana | $575K | 7.4% |
| Kenya | $320K | 4.1% |
| Zambia | $270K | 3.5% |
| Mozambique | $248K | 3.2% |
| Zimbabwe | $115K | 1.5% |
| Mauritius | $73K | 0.9% |
| Malawi | $63K | 0.8% |
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 2201: Waters, including natural or artificial mineral waters and aerated waters, not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter nor flavoured; ice and snow.
Common questions
What is the value of mineral water imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported mineral water worth $173.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 5.4 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 10th of 224 countries worldwide, with 3% of world imports. The value was up 149% on 2023.
Which countries supply mineral water to South Africa?
Lesotho was the largest supplier with 98% of the value ($170.2 million), followed by Italy (1%) and the United Kingdom (0%). The top three together account for 99%, out of 77 supplier countries in total. Lesotho grew fastest among the top ten, up 157% on the year.
What is the average import price of mineral water per kg?
The average declared import value was about $32.29 per kg in 2024, 80625% above the world average of $0.04 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 imports of mineral water to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $70.2 million in 2017 to $173.4 million in 2024, an increase of 147%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export mineral water?
Yes. South Africa exported $7.8 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Namibia, Eswatini and Lesotho. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $165.6 million a year.
What is the HS code for mineral water?
The HS code for mineral water is heading 2201. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 2201.10 (100% of the value) and 2201.90 (0%). It sits in HS chapter 22 (beverages, spirits and vinegar). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2201 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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