Plant products (other) exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of plant products (other) by South Africa reached $20.2 million in 2024 (4.2 thousand tonnes). It ranks 8th of 154 countries for exports of this product. Value fell 58% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 16% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2018, at $73.2 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 | $20.2M | 4.2K t |
| 2023 | $48.2M | 10.3K t |
| 2022 | $45.5M | 10.3K t |
| 2021 | $54.7M | 11.2K t |
| 2020 | $54.5M | 9.3K t |
| 2019 | $61.6M | 8.4K t |
| 2018 | $73.2M | 9.6K t |
| 2017 | $67.3M | 9.3K t |
Where South Africa exports plant products (other) to
Most of it went to Japan (41%), Germany (19%), United Kingdom (7%). Among the main buyer markets, Morocco grew fastest (+494% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | $8.2M | 41% |
| Germany | $3.8M | 19% |
| United Kingdom | $1.4M | 7% |
| Netherlands | $939K | 4.7% |
| France | $866K | 4.3% |
| Australia | $682K | 3.4% |
| Morocco | $555K | 2.8% |
| South Korea | $528K | 2.6% |
| China | $365K | 1.8% |
| Taiwan | $356K | 1.8% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $4.78 per kg, 70% above the world average of $2.82. 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.
Plant products (other) imports to South Africa
South Africa imported $817 thousand of plant products (other) in 2024 (232 tonnes). One supplier dominates: China accounted for 81% of the value. Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+53% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $662K | 81% |
| Germany | $57K | 6.9% |
| Bulgaria | $15K | 1.9% |
| Netherlands | $12K | 1.5% |
| Tanzania | $11K | 1.4% |
| France | $11K | 1.3% |
| Italy | $11K | 1.3% |
| Spain | $9K | 1.1% |
| Poland | $8K | 0.9% |
| United States | $8K | 0.9% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa plant products (other) exports (HS 1212.99): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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.
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 1212.99: Vegetable products: fit for human consumption, n.e.c. in heading no. 1212, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not ground.
Common questions
What is the value of plant products (other) exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported plant products (other) worth $20.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 4.2 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 8th of 154 countries worldwide, with 2% of world exports. The value was down 58% on 2023.
Which countries buy plant products (other) from South Africa?
Japan was the largest buyer with 41% of the value ($8.2 million), followed by Germany (19%) and the United Kingdom (7%). The top three together account for 67%, out of 63 buyer countries in total. Morocco grew fastest among the top ten, up 494% on the year.
What is the average export price of plant products (other) per kg?
The average declared export value was about $4.78 per kg in 2024, 70% above the world average of $2.82 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have exports of plant products (other) from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $67.3 million in 2017 to $20.2 million in 2024, a fall of 70%. The peak was 2018 at $73.2 million. Over 8 years the average was $53.1 million a year.
Does South Africa also import plant products (other)?
Yes. South Africa imported $817 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly from China, Germany and Bulgaria. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $19.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for plant products (other)?
The HS code for plant products (other) is subheading 1212.99. It sits in HS chapter 12 (oil seeds and oleaginous fruits; miscellaneous grains, seeds and fruit, industrial or medicinal plants; straw and fodder). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 1212 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.
Same product, other countries
World plant products (other) trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
Everything we show you comes from official customs filings — records, not claims. 30 minutes. Your shipment. Your HS code. Real platform. If you don’t see something new about your market by the end of the call, we walk away. No follow-ups.