Other fresh fish exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of other fresh fish by South Africa reached $2.1 million in 2024 (296 tonnes). That is 39% less than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2023, at $3.5 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 | $2.1M | 296 t |
| 2023 | $3.5M | 638 t |
| 2022 | $2.4M | 575 t |
| 2021 | $1.3M | 277 t |
| 2020 | $1.1M | 160 t |
| 2019 | $2.5M | 369 t |
| 2018 | $2.9M | 358 t |
| 2017 | $2.6M | 405 t |
Where South Africa exports other fresh fish to
Italy alone took 80% of it.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Italy | $1.7M | 80% |
| Taiwan | $160K | 7.4% |
| Namibia | $67K | 3.1% |
| Spain | $57K | 2.7% |
| DR Congo | $52K | 2.4% |
| Lesotho | $35K | 1.6% |
| Netherlands | $22K | 1% |
| France | $18K | 0.8% |
| Portugal | $8K | 0.4% |
| Germany | $6K | 0.3% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $7.24 per kg, 78% above the world average of $4.07. 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.
Other fresh fish imports to South Africa
South Africa imported $634 thousand of other fresh fish in 2024 (138 tonnes). Mauritius alone supplied 66% of it. Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+270% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Mauritius | $421K | 66% |
| Saudi Arabia | $74K | 12% |
| Sri Lanka | $61K | 9.6% |
| China | $56K | 8.8% |
| France | $10K | 1.5% |
| Mozambique | $8K | 1.3% |
| Singapore | $2K | 0.4% |
| Namibia | $2K | 0.3% |
| Myanmar | $1K | 0.1% |
| Armenia | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa other fresh fish exports (HS 0302.89): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
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Mirror data: built from the shipment records of the countries that trade with it.
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 0302.89: Fish: fresh or chilled, n.e.c. in heading 0302, excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0302.91 to 0302.99.
Common questions
What is the value of other fresh fish exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported other fresh fish worth $2.1 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 296 tonnes. That ranks it 58th of 134 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was down 39% on 2023.
Which countries buy other fresh fish from South Africa?
Italy was the largest buyer with 80% of the value ($1.7 million), followed by Taiwan (7%) and Namibia (3%). The top three together account for 90%, out of 22 buyer countries in total. Lesotho grew fastest among the top ten, up 590% on the year.
What is the average export price of other fresh fish per kg?
The average declared export value was about $7.24 per kg in 2024, 78% above the world average of $4.07 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have exports of other fresh fish from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $2.6 million in 2017 to $2.1 million in 2024, a fall of 17%. The peak was 2023 at $3.5 million. Over 8 years the average was $2.3 million a year.
Does South Africa also import other fresh fish?
Yes. South Africa imported $634 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Mauritius, Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $1.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for other fresh fish?
The HS code for other fresh fish is subheading 0302.89. It sits in HS chapter 03 (fish and crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 0302 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, so the companies shipping to and from it are visible. Ask for a live look at your product.
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