Prepared mackerel imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of prepared mackerel by South Africa reached $2.1 million in 2024 (860 tonnes). That is 43% more than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2018, at $3.0 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
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Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $2.1M | 860 t |
| 2023 | $1.5M | 611 t |
| 2022 | $1.2M | 491 t |
| 2021 | $1.5M | 574 t |
| 2020 | $1.5M | 645 t |
| 2019 | $2.1M | 912 t |
| 2018 | $3.0M | 637 t |
| 2017 | $1.3M | 406 t |
Where South Africa imports prepared mackerel from
One supplier dominates: Thailand accounted for 56% of the value. Among the main suppliers, Thailand grew fastest (+57% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Thailand | $1.2M | 56% |
| China | $799K | 38% |
| Poland | $107K | 5.1% |
| Namibia | $11K | 0.5% |
| South Korea | $3K | 0.1% |
| Morocco | $1K | 0% |
| Italy | $1K | 0% |
| Norway | $0K | 0% |
| Japan | $0K | 0% |
| Taiwan | $0K | 0% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.44 per kg, 32% below the world average of $3.57, 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.
Prepared mackerel exports from South Africa
Exports of prepared mackerel by South Africa reached $285 thousand in 2024 (96 tonnes). One buyer market dominates: Namibia accounted for 96% of the value.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $275K | 96% |
| Mozambique | $3K | 1% |
| Zambia | $3K | 0.9% |
| Malawi | $2K | 0.5% |
| Botswana | $1K | 0.5% |
| Lesotho | $1K | 0.4% |
| Zimbabwe | $1K | 0.2% |
| Eswatini | $0K | 0.2% |
| Ghana | $0K | 0.1% |
| Br. Virgin Isds | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa prepared mackerel imports (HS 1604.15): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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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 1604.15: Fish preparations: mackerel, prepared or preserved, whole or in pieces (but not minced).
Common questions
What is the value of prepared mackerel imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported prepared mackerel worth $2.1 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 860 tonnes. That ranks it 54th of 211 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 43% on 2023.
Which countries supply prepared mackerel to South Africa?
Thailand was the largest supplier with 56% of the value ($1.2 million), followed by China (38%) and Poland (5%). The top three together account for 99%, out of 13 supplier countries in total. South Korea grew fastest among the top ten, up 376% on the year.
What is the average import price of prepared mackerel per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.44 per kg in 2024, 32% below the world average of $3.57 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of prepared mackerel to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $1.3 million in 2017 to $2.1 million in 2024, an increase of 56%. The peak was 2018 at $3.0 million. Over 8 years the average was $1.8 million a year.
Does South Africa also export prepared mackerel?
Yes. South Africa exported $285 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Namibia, Mozambique and Zambia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $1.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for prepared mackerel?
The HS code for prepared mackerel is subheading 1604.15. 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?
The totals here are public statistics; EximDataX adds the company names by reading partner countries' customs records for South Africa. Tell us your product to see it live.
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