Paddy rice exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, South Africa exported paddy rice worth $5.2 million (6.5 thousand tonnes). That is 88% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 11% a year on average.
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 | $5.2M | 6.5K t |
| 2023 | $2.8M | 3.4K t |
| 2022 | $3.2M | 4.5K t |
| 2021 | $4.3M | 4.9K t |
| 2020 | $4.7M | 6.0K t |
| 2019 | $2.6M | 3.5K t |
| 2018 | $4.2M | 5.1K t |
| 2017 | $2.6M | 4.0K t |
Where South Africa exports paddy rice to
Eswatini alone took 62% of it. Among the main buyer markets, Eswatini grew fastest (+806% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Eswatini | $3.2M | 62% |
| Namibia | $1.1M | 21% |
| Botswana | $471K | 9.1% |
| Zimbabwe | $331K | 6.4% |
| Lesotho | $74K | 1.4% |
| Australia | $11K | 0.2% |
| Zambia | $11K | 0.2% |
| Mozambique | $10K | 0.2% |
| Seychelles | $2K | 0% |
| Malawi | $1K | 0% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.80 per kg, 116% above the world average of $0.37. 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.
Paddy rice imports to South Africa
In 2024, South Africa imported paddy rice worth $758 thousand (743 tonnes). One supplier dominates: India accounted for 76% of the value.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $577K | 76% |
| Thailand | $100K | 13% |
| Pakistan | $61K | 8% |
| Ghana | $8K | 1.1% |
| Mozambique | $4K | 0.5% |
| Bahrain | $2K | 0.3% |
| Portugal | $2K | 0.2% |
| Belgium | $1K | 0.2% |
| France | $1K | 0.1% |
| United States | $1K | 0.1% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa paddy rice exports (HS 1006.10): 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 1006.10: Cereals: rice in the husk (paddy or rough).
Common questions
What is the value of paddy rice exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported paddy rice worth $5.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 6.5 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 17th of 127 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was up 88% on 2023.
Which countries buy paddy rice from South Africa?
Eswatini was the largest buyer with 62% of the value ($3.2 million), followed by Namibia (21%) and Botswana (9%). The top three together account for 92%, out of 18 buyer countries in total. Eswatini grew fastest among the top ten, up 806% on the year.
What is the average export price of paddy rice per kg?
The average declared export value was about $0.80 per kg in 2024, 116% above the world average of $0.37 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of paddy rice from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $2.6 million in 2017 to $5.2 million in 2024, an increase of 102%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $3.7 million a year.
Does South Africa also import paddy rice?
Yes. South Africa imported $758 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly from India, Thailand and Pakistan. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $4.4 million a year.
What is the HS code for paddy rice?
The HS code for paddy rice is subheading 1006.10. It sits in HS chapter 10 (cereals). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 1006 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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