Prepared crustaceans and molluscs exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $17.0 million of prepared crustaceans and molluscs in 2024 (548 tonnes). Value fell 6% from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2021, at $25.0 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 | $17.0M | 548 t |
| 2023 | $18.0M | 632 t |
| 2022 | $14.5M | 712 t |
| 2021 | $25.0M | 845 t |
| 2020 | $17.3M | 802 t |
| 2019 | $17.6M | 665 t |
| 2018 | $22.2M | 555 t |
| 2017 | $15.6M | 535 t |
Where South Africa exports prepared crustaceans and molluscs to
Hong Kong alone took 65% of it. Among the main buyer markets, Macao grew fastest (+63% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Hong Kong | $11.0M | 65% |
| Singapore | $4.1M | 24% |
| Macao | $576K | 3.4% |
| Malaysia | $448K | 2.6% |
| Namibia | $268K | 1.6% |
| Canada | $199K | 1.2% |
| DR Congo | $71K | 0.4% |
| Botswana | $65K | 0.4% |
| United States | $40K | 0.2% |
| Taiwan | $38K | 0.2% |
Product types under HS 1605
| 1605.57 | Mollusc preparations: abalone, prepared or preserved | 97% |
| 1605.29 | Crustacean preparations: shrimps and prawns, prepared or preserved, in airtight containers | 1.1% |
| 1605.54 | Mollusc preparations: cuttle fish and squid, prepared or preserved | 0.7% |
| 1605.53 | Mollusc preparations: mussels, prepared or preserved | 0.6% |
| 1605.21 | Crustacean preparations: shrimps and prawns, prepared or preserved, not in airtight containers | 0.2% |
| 1605.58 | Mollusc preparations: snails, other than sea snails, prepared or preserved | 0.2% |
| 1605.10 | Crustacean preparations: crab, prepared or preserved | 0.2% |
| 1605.51 | Mollusc preparations: oysters, prepared or preserved | 0.1% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 1605.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $31.02 per kg, 280% above the world average of $8.17. 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.
Prepared crustaceans and molluscs imports to South Africa
Imports of prepared crustaceans and molluscs by South Africa reached $16.8 million in 2024 (3.2 thousand tonnes). Most of the value came from India (42%), China (26%), Thailand (8%). Among the main suppliers, Thailand grew fastest (+148% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $7.1M | 42% |
| China | $4.4M | 27% |
| Thailand | $1.3M | 7.6% |
| Malaysia | $1.1M | 6.9% |
| Indonesia | $791K | 4.7% |
| Hong Kong | $531K | 3.2% |
| Vietnam | $451K | 2.7% |
| Chile | $154K | 0.9% |
| Netherlands | $135K | 0.8% |
| Namibia | $128K | 0.8% |
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 1605: Crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates, prepared or preserved.
Common questions
What is the value of prepared crustaceans and molluscs exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported prepared crustaceans and molluscs worth $17.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 548 tonnes. That ranks it 43rd of 155 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was down 6% on 2023.
Which countries buy prepared crustaceans and molluscs from South Africa?
Hong Kong was the largest buyer with 65% of the value ($11.0 million), followed by Singapore (24%) and Macao (3%). The top three together account for 92%, out of 32 buyer countries in total. Macao grew fastest among the top ten, up 63% on the year.
What is the average export price of prepared crustaceans and molluscs per kg?
The average declared export value was about $31.02 per kg in 2024, 280% above the world average of $8.17 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 exports of prepared crustaceans and molluscs from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $15.6 million in 2017 to $17.0 million in 2024, an increase of 9%. The peak was 2021 at $25.0 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import prepared crustaceans and molluscs?
Yes. South Africa imported $16.8 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from India, China and Thailand. That compares with exports of $17.0 million in the same year.
What is the HS code for prepared crustaceans and molluscs?
The HS code for prepared crustaceans and molluscs is heading 1605. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 1605.57 (97% of the value) and 1605.29 (1%). It sits in HS chapter 16 (meat, fish, crustaceans, molluscs or other aquatic invertebrates, or insects; preparations thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 1605 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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