Molasses imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported molasses worth $6.7 million (50.5 thousand tonnes). Value rose 125% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 13% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2017, at $17.8 million.
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 | $6.7M | 50.5K t |
| 2023 | $3.0M | 29.8K t |
| 2022 | $3.8M | 37.0K t |
| 2021 | $3.0M | 34.4K t |
| 2020 | $5.9M | 87.3K t |
| 2019 | $10.3M | 137.1K t |
| 2018 | $8.5M | 131.7K t |
| 2017 | $17.8M | 188.8K t |
Where South Africa imports molasses from
Mozambique alone supplied 77% of it. Among the main suppliers, Mozambique grew fastest (+228% on the year before).
Product types under HS 1703
| 1703.10 | Sugars: molasses, from sugar cane, resulting from the extraction or refining of sugar | 94% |
| 1703.90 | Sugars: molasses, from sugar beet, resulting from the extraction or refining of sugar | 5.9% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 1703.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.13 per kg, 38% below the world average of $0.21, which often means bulk or lower-grade product.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Molasses exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $3.0 million of molasses in 2024 (12.2 thousand tonnes). One buyer market dominates: Namibia accounted for 58% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, Namibia grew fastest (+41% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $1.8M | 58% |
| Botswana | $747K | 25% |
| Yemen | $153K | 5% |
| United Kingdom | $82K | 2.7% |
| Argentina | $57K | 1.9% |
| Somalia | $46K | 1.5% |
| Zimbabwe | $40K | 1.3% |
| Lesotho | $29K | 0.9% |
| Mozambique | $24K | 0.8% |
| Eswatini | $19K | 0.6% |
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 1703: Molasses; resulting from the extraction or refining of sugar.
Common questions
What is the value of molasses imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported molasses worth $6.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 50.5 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 28th of 189 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 125% on 2023.
Which countries supply molasses to South Africa?
Mozambique was the largest supplier with 77% of the value ($5.1 million), followed by Zambia (19%) and Bahrain (4%). The top three together account for 99%, out of 20 supplier countries in total. Botswana grew fastest among the top ten, up 677% on the year.
What is the average import price of molasses per kg?
The average declared import value was about $0.13 per kg in 2024, 38% below the world average of $0.21 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 molasses to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $17.8 million in 2017 to $6.7 million in 2024, a fall of 62%. The peak was 2017 at $17.8 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export molasses?
Yes. South Africa exported $3.0 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Namibia, Botswana and Yemen. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $3.7 million a year.
What is the HS code for molasses?
The HS code for molasses is heading 1703. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 1703.10 (94% of the value) and 1703.90 (6%). It sits in HS chapter 17 (sugars and sugar confectionery). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 1703 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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