Pure-bred breeding cattle imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported pure-bred breeding cattle worth $21.1 million (4.4 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 2%. That is 1272% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 63% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2022, at $73.1 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 | $21.1M | 4.4K t |
| 2023 | $1.5M | 214 t |
| 2022 | $73.1M | 31.1K t |
| 2021 | $48.4M | 22.8K t |
| 2020 | $22.6M | 12.1K t |
| 2019 | $2.2M | 438 t |
| 2018 | $1.9M | 169 t |
| 2017 | $688K | 138 t |
Where South Africa imports pure-bred breeding cattle from
One supplier dominates: Namibia accounted for 100% of the value. Among the main suppliers, Namibia grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $21.1M | 100% |
| Botswana | $31K | 0.1% |
| Nigeria | $0K | 0% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $4.77 per kg, 23% above the world average of $3.87. 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.
Pure-bred breeding cattle exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported pure-bred breeding cattle worth $6.7 million (1.4 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. The largest buyer markets were Zimbabwe (34%), DR Congo (20%), Tanzania (20%). Among the main buyer markets, Nigeria grew fastest (+634% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $2.3M | 34% |
| DR Congo | $1.3M | 20% |
| Tanzania | $1.3M | 20% |
| Zambia | $700K | 11% |
| Nigeria | $371K | 5.6% |
| Kenya | $265K | 4% |
| Mozambique | $213K | 3.2% |
| Uganda | $67K | 1% |
| Lesotho | $52K | 0.8% |
| Malawi | $29K | 0.4% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa pure-bred breeding cattle imports (HS 0102.21): 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 0102.21: Cattle: live, pure-bred breeding animals.
Common questions
What is the value of pure-bred breeding cattle imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported pure-bred breeding cattle worth $21.1 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 4.4 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 13th of 130 countries worldwide, with 2% of world imports.
Which countries supply pure-bred breeding cattle to South Africa?
Namibia was the largest supplier with 100% of the value ($21.1 million), followed by Botswana (0%) and Nigeria (0%). The top three together account for 100%, out of 3 supplier countries in total.
What is the average import price of pure-bred breeding cattle per kg?
The average declared import value was about $4.77 per kg in 2024, 23% above the world average of $3.87 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of pure-bred breeding cattle to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $688 thousand in 2017 to $21.1 million in 2024. The peak was 2022 at $73.1 million. Over 8 years the average was $21.4 million a year.
Does South Africa also export pure-bred breeding cattle?
Yes. South Africa exported $6.7 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zimbabwe, the DR Congo and Tanzania. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $14.4 million a year.
What is the HS code for pure-bred breeding cattle?
The HS code for pure-bred breeding cattle is subheading 0102.21. It sits in HS chapter 01 (animals; live). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 0102 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 pure-bred breeding cattle trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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