Packaged black tea exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of packaged black tea by South Africa reached $18.6 million in 2024 (3.1 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. Value rose 30% on 2023. 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 | $18.6M | 3.1K t |
| 2023 | $14.3M | 2.8K t |
| 2022 | $14.0M | 2.7K t |
| 2021 | $13.5M | 2.7K t |
| 2020 | $12.4M | 2.7K t |
| 2019 | $15.5M | 3.0K t |
| 2018 | $17.6M | 2.7K t |
| 2017 | $18.2M | 2.6K t |
Where South Africa exports packaged black tea to
Most of it went to Botswana (36%), Mozambique (18%), Eswatini (13%). Among the main buyer markets, Zimbabwe grew fastest (+92% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Botswana | $6.7M | 36% |
| Mozambique | $3.3M | 18% |
| Eswatini | $2.4M | 13% |
| Lesotho | $2.0M | 11% |
| Namibia | $1.4M | 7.6% |
| Zimbabwe | $996K | 5.4% |
| Zambia | $490K | 2.6% |
| United States | $336K | 1.8% |
| New Zealand | $130K | 0.7% |
| DR Congo | $113K | 0.6% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $5.94 per kg, 23% below the world average of $7.76, 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.
Packaged black tea imports to South Africa
Imports of packaged black tea by South Africa reached $2.0 million in 2024 (546 tonnes). Most of the value came from Sri Lanka (22%), Poland (20%), Tanzania (13%). Among the main suppliers, Tanzania grew fastest (+660% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Sri Lanka | $444K | 22% |
| Poland | $410K | 20% |
| Tanzania | $262K | 13% |
| United Arab Emirates | $258K | 13% |
| India | $205K | 10% |
| Malawi | $103K | 5.1% |
| Pakistan | $66K | 3.3% |
| Netherlands | $65K | 3.2% |
| Singapore | $49K | 2.4% |
| Zimbabwe | $22K | 1.1% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa packaged black tea exports (HS 0902.30): 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 0902.30: Tea, black: (fermented) and partly fermented tea, in immediate packings of a content not exceeding 3kg.
Common questions
What is the value of packaged black tea exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported packaged black tea worth $18.6 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 3.1 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 19th of 169 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was up 30% on 2023.
Which countries buy packaged black tea from South Africa?
Botswana was the largest buyer with 36% of the value ($6.7 million), followed by Mozambique (18%) and Eswatini (13%). The top three together account for 67%, out of 68 buyer countries in total. Zimbabwe grew fastest among the top ten, up 92% on the year.
What is the average export price of packaged black tea per kg?
The average declared export value was about $5.94 per kg in 2024, 23% below the world average of $7.76 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of packaged black tea from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $18.2 million in 2017 to $18.6 million in 2024, an increase of 2%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $15.5 million a year.
Does South Africa also import packaged black tea?
Yes. South Africa imported $2.0 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Sri Lanka, Poland and Tanzania. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $16.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for packaged black tea?
The HS code for packaged black tea is subheading 0902.30. It sits in HS chapter 09 (coffee, tea, mate and spices). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 0902 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
The totals here are public statistics; EximDataX adds the company names by reading partner countries' customs records for South Africa. Tell us your product to see it live.
Same product, other countries
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