Processed cheese exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, South Africa exported processed cheese worth $12.1 million (2.8 thousand tonnes). Value rose 9% on 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
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 | $12.1M | 2.8K t |
| 2023 | $11.1M | 2.8K t |
| 2022 | $10.4M | 2.8K t |
| 2021 | $10.9M | 2.8K t |
| 2020 | $10.0M | 2.7K t |
| 2019 | $10.4M | 2.2K t |
| 2018 | $10.2M | 2.0K t |
| 2017 | $8.0M | 1.9K t |
Where South Africa exports processed cheese to
The largest buyer markets were Mozambique (30%), Namibia (20%), Botswana (12%). Among the main buyer markets, Saudi Arabia grew fastest (+251% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Mozambique | $3.6M | 30% |
| Namibia | $2.4M | 20% |
| Botswana | $1.5M | 12% |
| Zambia | $1.4M | 12% |
| Eswatini | $1.0M | 8.5% |
| Saudi Arabia | $378K | 3.1% |
| Malawi | $281K | 2.3% |
| Zimbabwe | $248K | 2% |
| Mauritius | $207K | 1.7% |
| Kuwait | $204K | 1.7% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $4.39 per kg, close to the world average of $5.16.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Processed cheese imports to South Africa
Imports of processed cheese by South Africa reached $9.8 million in 2024 (2.0 thousand tonnes). Most of the value came from New Zealand (43%), Germany (31%), France (24%).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | $4.2M | 43% |
| Germany | $3.0M | 31% |
| France | $2.4M | 24% |
| Austria | $125K | 1.3% |
| Denmark | $39K | 0.4% |
| Netherlands | $22K | 0.2% |
| Spain | $3K | 0% |
| Belgium | $2K | 0% |
| Lebanon | $1K | 0% |
| India | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa processed cheese exports (HS 0406.30): 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 0406.30: Dairy produce: cheese, processed (not grated or powdered).
Common questions
What is the value of processed cheese exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported processed cheese worth $12.1 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 2.8 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 31st of 119 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was up 9% on 2023.
Which countries buy processed cheese from South Africa?
Mozambique was the largest buyer with 30% of the value ($3.6 million), followed by Namibia (20%) and Botswana (12%). The top three together account for 62%, out of 33 buyer countries in total. Saudi Arabia grew fastest among the top ten, up 251% on the year.
What is the average export price of processed cheese per kg?
The average declared export value was about $4.39 per kg in 2024, 15% below the world average of $5.16 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have exports of processed cheese from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $8.0 million in 2017 to $12.1 million in 2024, an increase of 51%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $10.4 million a year.
Does South Africa also import processed cheese?
Yes. South Africa imported $9.8 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from New Zealand, Germany and France. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $2.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for processed cheese?
The HS code for processed cheese is subheading 0406.30. It sits in HS chapter 04 (dairy produce; birds' eggs; natural honey; edible products of animal origin, not elsewhere specified or included). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 0406 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.
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