Minor cereals exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of minor cereals by South Africa reached $7.1 million in 2024 (4.1 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. That is close to the 2023 level. 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 | $7.1M | 4.1K t |
| 2023 | $7.2M | 4.4K t |
| 2022 | $6.7M | 5.1K t |
| 2021 | $6.2M | 4.7K t |
| 2020 | $6.4M | 5.9K t |
| 2019 | $4.6M | 4.6K t |
| 2018 | $6.1M | 9.3K t |
| 2017 | $4.7M | 3.9K t |
Where South Africa exports minor cereals to
The largest buyer markets were United States (33%), Canada (22%), Mauritania (10%). Among the main buyer markets, Angola grew fastest (+159% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $2.4M | 33% |
| Canada | $1.5M | 22% |
| Mauritania | $727K | 10% |
| Netherlands | $662K | 9.3% |
| Namibia | $492K | 6.9% |
| United Kingdom | $225K | 3.2% |
| Lesotho | $187K | 2.6% |
| Angola | $177K | 2.5% |
| Germany | $124K | 1.7% |
| Botswana | $105K | 1.5% |
Product types under HS 1008
| 1008.90 | Cereals: n.e.c. in chapter 10 | 69% |
| 1008.21 | Cereals: millet, seed | 15% |
| 1008.29 | Cereals: millet, other than seed | 15% |
| 1008.30 | Cereals: canary seeds | 0.7% |
| 1008.50 | Cereals: quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) | 0.6% |
| 1008.10 | Cereals: buckwheat | 0.5% |
| 1008.60 | Cereals: triticale | 0.1% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 1008.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.73 per kg, 226% above the world average of $0.53. 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.
Minor cereals imports to South Africa
South Africa imported $4.6 million of minor cereals in 2024 (11.6 thousand tonnes). One supplier dominates: Ukraine accounted for 52% of the value. Among the main suppliers, Ukraine grew fastest (+112% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Ukraine | $2.4M | 52% |
| Peru | $734K | 16% |
| India | $583K | 13% |
| Russia | $212K | 4.6% |
| Canada | $165K | 3.6% |
| United States | $116K | 2.5% |
| Poland | $94K | 2% |
| Spain | $75K | 1.6% |
| United Kingdom | $58K | 1.2% |
| Romania | $49K | 1.1% |
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 1008: Buckwheat, millet and canary seeds; other cereals.
Common questions
What is the value of minor cereals exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported minor cereals worth $7.1 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 4.1 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 27th of 149 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was down 2% on 2023.
Which countries buy minor cereals from South Africa?
The United States was the largest buyer with 33% of the value ($2.4 million), followed by Canada (22%) and Mauritania (10%). The top three together account for 65%, out of 42 buyer countries in total. Angola grew fastest among the top ten, up 159% on the year.
What is the average export price of minor cereals per kg?
The average declared export value was about $1.73 per kg in 2024, 226% above the world average of $0.53 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 minor cereals from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $4.7 million in 2017 to $7.1 million in 2024, an increase of 52%. The peak was 2023 at $7.2 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import minor cereals?
Yes. South Africa imported $4.6 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Ukraine, Peru and India. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $2.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for minor cereals?
The HS code for minor cereals is heading 1008. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 1008.90 (69% of the value) and 1008.21 (15%). It sits in HS chapter 10 (cereals). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 1008 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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