Other sugars imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported other sugars worth $100.7 million (122.2 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 23% more than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
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 | $100.7M | 122.2K t |
| 2023 | $81.6M | 92.9K t |
| 2022 | $89.3M | 92.5K t |
| 2021 | $82.4M | 95.4K t |
| 2020 | $63.3M | 80.0K t |
| 2019 | $66.4M | 79.5K t |
| 2018 | $62.2M | 66.2K t |
| 2017 | $67.1M | 73.5K t |
Where South Africa imports other sugars from
The largest suppliers were Eswatini (39%), China (26%), Germany (7%). Among the main suppliers, Netherlands grew fastest (+107% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Eswatini | $39.7M | 40% |
| China | $26.6M | 27% |
| Germany | $7.3M | 7.3% |
| France | $4.4M | 4.4% |
| Turkey | $4.2M | 4.1% |
| United States | $3.2M | 3.2% |
| Netherlands | $2.8M | 2.8% |
| Canada | $2.7M | 2.7% |
| Italy | $1.9M | 1.9% |
| Denmark | $1.7M | 1.7% |
Product types under HS 1702
| 1702.90 | Sugars: n.e.c. in heading no. 1702, including invert sugar and other sugar and sugar syrup blends containing, in the dry state, 50% by weight of… | 55% |
| 1702.11 | Sugars: lactose and lactose syrup, containing by weight 99% or more lactose, expressed as anhydrous lactose, calculated on the dry matter | 20% |
| 1702.30 | Sugars: glucose and glucose syrup, not containing fructose or containing in the dry state less than 20% by weight of fructose, the syrup not… | 17% |
| 1702.50 | Sugars: fructose, chemically pure, in solid form | 2.6% |
| 1702.19 | Sugars: lactose and lactose syrup, containing by weight less than 99% lactose, expressed as anhydrous lactose, calculated on the dry matter | 1.8% |
| 1702.40 | Sugars: glucose and glucose syrup, containing in the dry state at least 20% but less than 50% by weight of fructose, excluding invert sugar, the… | 1.5% |
| 1702.60 | Sugars: fructose, other than chemically pure fructose, and fructose syrup (containing in the dry state more than 50% by weight of fructose)… | 0.9% |
| 1702.20 | Sugars: maple sugar, chemically pure, in solid form: maple syrup, not containing added flavouring or colouring matter | 0.7% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 1702.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.82 per kg, close to the world average of $0.82.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Other sugars exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $36.0 million of other sugars in 2024 (47.6 thousand tonnes). Most of it went to Eswatini (30%), Australia (13%), Zimbabwe (12%). Among the main buyer markets, Australia grew fastest (+220% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Eswatini | $10.8M | 30% |
| Australia | $4.7M | 13% |
| Zimbabwe | $4.2M | 12% |
| Botswana | $3.4M | 9.6% |
| Namibia | $2.7M | 7.6% |
| Mozambique | $2.6M | 7.2% |
| Lesotho | $1.8M | 5.1% |
| Brazil | $1.2M | 3.3% |
| New Zealand | $989K | 2.8% |
| Zambia | $630K | 1.8% |
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 1702: Sugars, including lactose, maltose, glucose or fructose in solid form; sugar syrups without added flavouring or colouring matter; artificial honey, whether or not mixed with natural honey; caramel.
Common questions
What is the value of other sugars imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported other sugars worth $100.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 122.2 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 28th of 221 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 23% on 2023.
Which countries supply other sugars to South Africa?
Eswatini was the largest supplier with 39% of the value ($39.7 million), followed by China (26%) and Germany (7%). The top three together account for 73%, out of 55 supplier countries in total. The Netherlands grew fastest among the top ten, up 107% on the year.
What is the average import price of other sugars per kg?
The average declared import value was about $0.82 per kg in 2024, close to the world average of $0.82 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 other sugars to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $67.1 million in 2017 to $100.7 million in 2024, an increase of 50%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export other sugars?
Yes. South Africa exported $36.0 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Eswatini, Australia and Zimbabwe. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $64.7 million a year.
What is the HS code for other sugars?
The HS code for other sugars is heading 1702. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 1702.90 (55% of the value) and 1702.11 (20%). It sits in HS chapter 17 (sugars and sugar confectionery). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 1702 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.
More trade data for South Africa
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