Prepared fish (other species) exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $16.5 million of prepared fish (other species) in 2024 (3.3 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. That is 11% less than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2017, at $22.1 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 | $16.5M | 3.3K t |
| 2023 | $18.5M | 3.4K t |
| 2022 | $14.1M | 3.1K t |
| 2021 | $16.0M | 3.3K t |
| 2020 | $15.8M | 3.1K t |
| 2019 | $14.2M | 2.9K t |
| 2018 | $16.2M | 3.1K t |
| 2017 | $22.1M | 3.9K t |
Where South Africa exports prepared fish (other species) to
The largest buyer markets were Italy (38%), Germany (11%), Portugal (10%). Among the main buyer markets, Greece grew fastest (+146% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Italy | $6.2M | 38% |
| Germany | $1.7M | 11% |
| Portugal | $1.7M | 10% |
| Mauritius | $1.7M | 10% |
| Namibia | $796K | 4.8% |
| Netherlands | $758K | 4.6% |
| Cyprus | $555K | 3.4% |
| Greece | $541K | 3.3% |
| Spain | $516K | 3.1% |
| Israel | $398K | 2.4% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $4.96 per kg, close to the world average of $4.45.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Prepared fish (other species) imports to South Africa
Imports of prepared fish (other species) by South Africa reached $206 thousand in 2024 (57 tonnes). Most of the value came from China (47%), Malaysia (22%), Thailand (14%). Among the main suppliers, Thailand grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $98K | 47% |
| Malaysia | $45K | 22% |
| Thailand | $30K | 14% |
| Spain | $10K | 5% |
| United States | $10K | 4.9% |
| Italy | $9K | 4.2% |
| Germany | $2K | 0.7% |
| South Korea | $1K | 0.4% |
| Denmark | $1K | 0.3% |
| Japan | $1K | 0.3% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa prepared fish (other species) exports (HS 1604.19): 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 1604.19: Fish preparations: fish prepared or preserved, whole or in pieces (but not minced), n.e.c. in heading no. 1604.
Common questions
What is the value of prepared fish (other species) exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported prepared fish (other species) worth $16.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 3.3 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 18th of 126 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was down 11% on 2023.
Which countries buy prepared fish (other species) from South Africa?
Italy was the largest buyer with 38% of the value ($6.2 million), followed by Germany (11%) and Portugal (10%). The top three together account for 58%, out of 37 buyer countries in total. Greece grew fastest among the top ten, up 146% on the year.
What is the average export price of prepared fish (other species) per kg?
The average declared export value was about $4.96 per kg in 2024, 11% above the world average of $4.45 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of prepared fish (other species) from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $22.1 million in 2017 to $16.5 million in 2024, a fall of 25%. The peak was 2017 at $22.1 million. Over 8 years the average was $16.7 million a year.
Does South Africa also import prepared fish (other species)?
Yes. South Africa imported $206 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly from China, Malaysia and Thailand. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $16.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for prepared fish (other species)?
The HS code for prepared fish (other species) is subheading 1604.19. 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 1604 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
For South Africa, EximDataX reads the shipment records of the countries that trade with it and shows the companies on both sides. We can walk you through your product on a short call.
Same product, other countries
World prepared fish (other species) trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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