Processed cereal grains imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $3.4 million of processed cereal grains in 2024 (2.0 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 154% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 43% a year on average.
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 | $3.4M | 2.0K t |
| 2023 | $1.3M | 341 t |
| 2022 | $289K | 250 t |
| 2021 | $272K | 321 t |
| 2020 | $172K | 284 t |
| 2019 | $273K | 376 t |
| 2018 | $232K | 784 t |
| 2017 | $281K | 305 t |
Where South Africa imports processed cereal grains from
One supplier dominates: Lesotho accounted for 97% of the value. Among the main suppliers, Lesotho grew fastest (+182% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Lesotho | $3.3M | 97% |
| Poland | $81K | 2.4% |
| Germany | $14K | 0.4% |
| United Kingdom | $7K | 0.2% |
| India | $5K | 0.1% |
| United States | $3K | 0.1% |
| Zambia | $1K | 0% |
| Netherlands | $1K | 0% |
| Finland | $1K | 0% |
| Angola | $0K | 0% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.66 per kg, 202% above the world average of $0.55. 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.
Processed cereal grains exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported processed cereal grains worth $727 thousand (677 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Zambia (34%), Eswatini (27%), Lesotho (15%). Among the main buyer markets, Zambia grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zambia | $247K | 34% |
| Eswatini | $199K | 27% |
| Lesotho | $112K | 15% |
| Zimbabwe | $38K | 5.3% |
| Namibia | $36K | 4.9% |
| United Kingdom | $24K | 3.3% |
| Botswana | $19K | 2.6% |
| Mauritius | $10K | 1.4% |
| Mozambique | $9K | 1.2% |
| Angola | $8K | 1.1% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa processed cereal grains imports (HS 1104.29): 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 1104.29: Cereal grains: worked, other than rolled or flaked (e.g. Hulled, pearled, sliced or kibbled) of cereals, excluding oats and maize, and rice of heading no.1006.
Common questions
What is the value of processed cereal grains imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported processed cereal grains worth $3.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 2.0 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 25th of 195 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 154% on 2023.
Which countries supply processed cereal grains to South Africa?
Lesotho was the largest supplier with 97% of the value ($3.3 million), followed by Poland (2%) and Germany (0%). The top three together account for 99%, out of 16 supplier countries in total. The United States grew fastest among the top ten, up 668% on the year.
What is the average import price of processed cereal grains per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.66 per kg in 2024, 202% above the world average of $0.55 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of processed cereal grains to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $281 thousand in 2017 to $3.4 million in 2024. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $777 thousand a year.
Does South Africa also export processed cereal grains?
Yes. South Africa exported $727 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zambia, Eswatini and Lesotho. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $2.6 million a year.
What is the HS code for processed cereal grains?
The HS code for processed cereal grains is subheading 1104.29. It sits in HS chapter 11 (products of the milling industry; malt, starches, inulin, wheat gluten). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 1104 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 processed cereal grains trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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