Rapeseed exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of rapeseed by South Africa reached $15.3 million in 2024 (27.4 thousand tonnes). That is 8% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 147% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2022, at $23.7 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 | $15.3M | 27.4K t |
| 2023 | $16.7M | 35.8K t |
| 2022 | $23.7M | 32.1K t |
| 2021 | $19.0M | 30.0K t |
| 2020 | $33K | 4 t |
| 2019 | $77K | 4 t |
| 2018 | $26K | 3 t |
| 2017 | $27K | 31 t |
Where South Africa exports rapeseed to
Kenya alone took 98% of it.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Kenya | $15.0M | 98% |
| Zimbabwe | $143K | 0.9% |
| Japan | $78K | 0.5% |
| Zambia | $17K | 0.1% |
| Lesotho | $14K | 0.1% |
| Italy | $3K | 0% |
| Malawi | $0K | 0% |
| Germany | $0K | 0% |
| Botswana | $0K | 0% |
| United States | $0K | 0% |
Product types under HS 1205
| 1205.10 | Oil seeds: low erucic acid rape or colza seeds, whether or not broken | 99% |
| 1205.90 | Oil seeds: rape or colza seeds, other than low erucic, whether or not broken | 1% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 1205.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.56 per kg, close to the world average of $0.53.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Rapeseed imports to South Africa
Imports of rapeseed by South Africa reached $5.8 million in 2024 (1.4 thousand tonnes). Australia alone supplied 65% of it. Among the main suppliers, Argentina grew fastest (+129% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | $3.8M | 65% |
| Argentina | $1.8M | 32% |
| Denmark | $109K | 1.9% |
| Hungary | $39K | 0.7% |
| New Zealand | $33K | 0.6% |
| Germany | $22K | 0.4% |
| Netherlands | $12K | 0.2% |
| Chile | $11K | 0.2% |
| Japan | $2K | 0% |
| Canada | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
Public statistics stop at country totals and the last published year. EximDataX shows the shipment records underneath: the companies, dates, quantities and declared values, updated weekly.
Shipment records are in the platform
Tell us what you trade and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
Mirror data: built from the shipment records of the countries that trade with it.
Updated weekly on EximDataX (some markets daily), while public statistics stop at 2024.
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 1205: Rape or colza seeds; whether or not broken.
Common questions
What is the value of rapeseed exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported rapeseed worth $15.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 27.4 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 34th of 89 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was down 8% on 2023.
Which countries buy rapeseed from South Africa?
Kenya was the largest buyer with 98% of the value ($15.0 million), followed by Zimbabwe (1%) and Japan (1%). The top three together account for 100%, out of 12 buyer countries in total. Zimbabwe grew fastest among the top ten, up 112% on the year.
What is the average export price of rapeseed per kg?
The average declared export value was about $0.56 per kg in 2024, 6% above the world average of $0.53 per kg. It is total declared value divided by total weight, so it blends every grade and size; use it as a benchmark, not a quote. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
How have exports of rapeseed from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $27 thousand in 2017 to $15.3 million in 2024. The peak was 2022 at $23.7 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import rapeseed?
Yes. South Africa imported $5.8 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Australia, Argentina and Denmark. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $9.4 million a year.
What is the HS code for rapeseed?
The HS code for rapeseed is heading 1205. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 1205.10 (99% of the value) and 1205.90 (1%). It sits in HS chapter 12 (oil seeds and oleaginous fruits; miscellaneous grains, seeds and fruit, industrial or medicinal plants; straw and fodder). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 1205 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
Public statistics stop at country totals. EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, updated weekly, so you can see the companies that ship to and from it. Tell us your product and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
Same product, other countries
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
Everything we show you comes from official customs filings — records, not claims. 30 minutes. Your shipment. Your HS code. Real platform. If you don’t see something new about your market by the end of the call, we walk away. No follow-ups.