Rum imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported rum worth $6.8 million (1.6 thousand tonnes). That is 15% more than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2018, at $76.5 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $6.8M | 1.6K t |
| 2023 | $5.9M | 1.4K t |
| 2022 | $8.8M | 3.3K t |
| 2021 | $6.7M | 1.6K t |
| 2020 | $4.8M | 1.3K t |
| 2019 | $6.7M | 1.5K t |
| 2018 | $76.5M | 1.6K t |
| 2017 | $8.2M | 2.1K t |
Where South Africa imports rum from
Most of the value came from Canada (28%), United Kingdom (17%), United States (17%). Among the main suppliers, Jamaica grew fastest (+124% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Canada | $1.9M | 28% |
| United Kingdom | $1.2M | 17% |
| United States | $1.2M | 17% |
| Guatemala | $1.1M | 16% |
| Italy | $518K | 7.6% |
| Cuba | $237K | 3.5% |
| Austria | $170K | 2.5% |
| Jamaica | $130K | 1.9% |
| Barbados | $91K | 1.3% |
| Philippines | $68K | 1% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $4.14 per kg, close to the world average of $4.31.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Rum exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $3.5 million of rum in 2024 (717 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Namibia (23%), DR Congo (20%), Zimbabwe (14%). Among the main buyer markets, DR Congo grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $795K | 23% |
| DR Congo | $705K | 20% |
| Zimbabwe | $493K | 14% |
| Malawi | $402K | 11% |
| Botswana | $195K | 5.5% |
| France | $173K | 4.9% |
| Zambia | $159K | 4.5% |
| Lesotho | $99K | 2.8% |
| Eswatini | $94K | 2.7% |
| Barbados | $79K | 2.3% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa rum imports (HS 2208.40): 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 2208.40: Rum and other spirits obtained by distilling fermented sugar-cane products.
Common questions
What is the value of rum imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported rum worth $6.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.6 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 43rd of 223 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 15% on 2023.
Which countries supply rum to South Africa?
Canada was the largest supplier with 28% of the value ($1.9 million), followed by the United Kingdom (17%) and the United States (17%). The top three together account for 62%, out of 47 supplier countries in total. Jamaica grew fastest among the top ten, up 124% on the year.
What is the average import price of rum per kg?
The average declared import value was about $4.14 per kg in 2024, close to the world average of $4.31 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of rum to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $8.2 million in 2017 to $6.8 million in 2024, a fall of 17%. The peak was 2018 at $76.5 million. Over 8 years the average was $15.6 million a year.
Does South Africa also export rum?
Yes. South Africa exported $3.5 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Namibia, the DR Congo and Zimbabwe. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $3.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for rum?
The HS code for rum is subheading 2208.40. It sits in HS chapter 22 (beverages, spirits and vinegar). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2208 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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