Refined soybean oil exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $13.4 million of refined soybean oil in 2024 (11.1 thousand tonnes). That is 50% more than in 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 | $13.4M | 11.1K t |
| 2023 | $8.9M | 6.2K t |
| 2022 | $8.8M | 6.8K t |
| 2021 | $13.0M | 8.8K t |
| 2020 | $7.3M | 7.7K t |
| 2019 | $13.8M | 12.3K t |
| 2018 | $10.1M | 9.9K t |
| 2017 | $13.5M | 11.3K t |
Where South Africa exports refined soybean oil to
Botswana alone took 50% of it. Among the main buyer markets, Zambia grew fastest (+116% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Botswana | $6.7M | 50% |
| Mozambique | $3.3M | 25% |
| Zimbabwe | $1.1M | 8% |
| Zambia | $895K | 6.7% |
| DR Congo | $631K | 4.7% |
| Namibia | $422K | 3.2% |
| Eswatini | $139K | 1% |
| Lesotho | $126K | 0.9% |
| Madagascar | $29K | 0.2% |
| Senegal | $13K | 0.1% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.20 per kg, close to the world average of $1.21.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Refined soybean oil imports to South Africa
Imports of refined soybean oil by South Africa reached $18.9 million in 2024 (19.4 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. One supplier dominates: Netherlands accounted for 53% of the value.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Netherlands | $10.1M | 53% |
| Argentina | $4.7M | 25% |
| Belgium | $3.7M | 20% |
| Eswatini | $364K | 1.9% |
| Germany | $66K | 0.4% |
| Portugal | $24K | 0.1% |
| Spain | $7K | 0% |
| China | $7K | 0% |
| Italy | $6K | 0% |
| Taiwan | $4K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa refined soybean oil exports (HS 1507.90): 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 1507.90: Vegetable oils: soya-bean oil and its fractions, other than crude, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified.
Common questions
What is the value of refined soybean oil exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported refined soybean oil worth $13.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 11.1 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 27th of 120 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was up 50% on 2023.
Which countries buy refined soybean oil from South Africa?
Botswana was the largest buyer with 50% of the value ($6.7 million), followed by Mozambique (25%) and Zimbabwe (8%). The top three together account for 83%, out of 16 buyer countries in total. Eswatini grew fastest among the top ten, up 420% on the year.
What is the average export price of refined soybean oil per kg?
The average declared export value was about $1.20 per kg in 2024, close to the world average of $1.21 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of refined soybean oil from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $13.5 million in 2017 to $13.4 million in 2024, a fall of 1%. The peak was 2019 at $13.8 million. Over 8 years the average was $11.1 million a year.
Does South Africa also import refined soybean oil?
Yes. South Africa imported $18.9 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from the Netherlands, Argentina and Belgium. That compares with exports of $13.4 million in the same year.
What is the HS code for refined soybean oil?
The HS code for refined soybean oil is subheading 1507.90. It sits in HS chapter 15 (animal, vegetable or microbial fats and oils and their cleavage products; prepared edible fats; animal or vegetable waxes). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 1507 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 refined soybean oil trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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