Plant materials for feed imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported plant materials for feed worth $4.3 million (22.7 thousand tonnes). That is 102% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 7% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2017, at $7.0 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 | $4.3M | 22.7K t |
| 2023 | $2.1M | 5.5K t |
| 2022 | $2.0M | 1.6K t |
| 2021 | $2.4M | 6.4K t |
| 2020 | $3.0M | 19.8K t |
| 2019 | $3.4M | 27.7K t |
| 2018 | $1.4M | 4.6K t |
| 2017 | $7.0M | 56.3K t |
Where South Africa imports plant materials for feed from
Most of the value came from Argentina (46%), Denmark (31%), United States (8%). Among the main suppliers, United States grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Argentina | $2.0M | 46% |
| Denmark | $1.4M | 31% |
| United States | $341K | 7.9% |
| Germany | $222K | 5.1% |
| Mozambique | $206K | 4.8% |
| Switzerland | $103K | 2.4% |
| Indonesia | $56K | 1.3% |
| China | $35K | 0.8% |
| United Kingdom | $0K | 0% |
| Belgium | $0K | 0% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.19 per kg, 32% below the world average of $0.28, 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.
Plant materials for feed exports from South Africa
Exports of plant materials for feed by South Africa reached $594 thousand in 2024 (1.8 thousand tonnes). Most of it went to South Korea (33%), Botswana (20%), Netherlands (12%). Among the main buyer markets, Namibia grew fastest (+466% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| South Korea | $196K | 33% |
| Botswana | $117K | 20% |
| Netherlands | $73K | 12% |
| Japan | $70K | 12% |
| Namibia | $44K | 7.5% |
| United Kingdom | $22K | 3.8% |
| Taiwan | $20K | 3.4% |
| Singapore | $19K | 3.2% |
| Germany | $8K | 1.3% |
| Ghana | $7K | 1.2% |
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 2308: Vegetable materials and vegetable waste, vegetable residues and bi-products; whether or not in the form of pellets, of a kind used in animal feeding, not elsewhere specified or included.
Common questions
What is the value of plant materials for feed imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported plant materials for feed worth $4.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 22.7 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 35th of 158 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 102% on 2023.
Which countries supply plant materials for feed to South Africa?
Argentina was the largest supplier with 46% of the value ($2.0 million), followed by Denmark (31%) and the United States (8%). The top three together account for 86%, out of 11 supplier countries in total. Germany grew fastest among the top ten, up 686% on the year.
What is the average import price of plant materials for feed per kg?
The average declared import value was about $0.19 per kg in 2024, 32% below the world average of $0.28 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 plant materials for feed to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $7.0 million in 2017 to $4.3 million in 2024, a fall of 38%. The peak was 2017 at $7.0 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export plant materials for feed?
Yes. South Africa exported $594 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to South Korea, Botswana and the Netherlands. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $3.7 million a year.
What is the HS code for plant materials for feed?
The HS code for plant materials for feed is heading 2308. In South Africa all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 2308.00. It sits in HS chapter 23 (food industries, residues and wastes thereof; prepared animal fodder). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2308 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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