Seaweeds and plant products exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, South Africa exported seaweeds and plant products worth $26.2 million (8.6 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. Value fell 53% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 13% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2018, at $76.6 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 | $26.2M | 8.6K t |
| 2023 | $56.3M | 15.0K t |
| 2022 | $56.8M | 16.4K t |
| 2021 | $63.6M | 17.6K t |
| 2020 | $59.2M | 12.9K t |
| 2019 | $65.0M | 10.0K t |
| 2018 | $76.6M | 11.1K t |
| 2017 | $70.7M | 11.1K t |
Where South Africa exports seaweeds and plant products to
The largest buyer markets were Japan (32%), Germany (15%), China (9%). Among the main buyer markets, Italy grew fastest (+46% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | $8.5M | 33% |
| Germany | $3.9M | 15% |
| China | $2.4M | 9.1% |
| United Kingdom | $1.4M | 5.4% |
| France | $1.2M | 4.8% |
| Italy | $1.2M | 4.5% |
| Netherlands | $939K | 3.6% |
| United States | $857K | 3.3% |
| South Korea | $722K | 2.8% |
| Australia | $697K | 2.7% |
Product types under HS 1212
| 1212.99 | Vegetable products: fit for human consumption, n.e.c. in heading no. 1212, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not ground | 77% |
| 1212.29 | Seaweeds and other algae: not fit for human consumption, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not ground | 14% |
| 1212.21 | Seaweeds and other algae: fit for human consumption, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not ground | 7.7% |
| 1212.92 | Locust beans (carob): fit for human consumption, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not ground | 1.3% |
| 1212.94 | Chicory roots (Chicorium intybus sativum): fit for human consumption, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not ground | 0.3% |
| 1212.93 | Sugar cane: fit for human consumption, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not ground | 0.1% |
| 1212.91 | Sugar beet: fit for human consumption, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not ground | 0% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 1212.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $3.06 per kg, 350% above the world average of $0.68. 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.
Seaweeds and plant products imports to South Africa
Imports of seaweeds and plant products by South Africa reached $4.4 million in 2024 (5.5 thousand tonnes). One supplier dominates: Ireland accounted for 56% of the value. Among the main suppliers, Australia grew fastest (+46% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Ireland | $2.4M | 56% |
| China | $1.2M | 27% |
| Australia | $187K | 4.2% |
| France | $74K | 1.7% |
| Mozambique | $70K | 1.6% |
| South Korea | $68K | 1.5% |
| Germany | $66K | 1.5% |
| Brazil | $43K | 1% |
| Spain | $36K | 0.8% |
| United Kingdom | $30K | 0.7% |
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 1212: Locust beans, seaweeds and other algae, sugar beet, sugar cane, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not ground; fruit stones, kernels and other vegetable products (including unroasted chicory roots) used primarily for human consumption, n.e.c..
Common questions
What is the value of seaweeds and plant products exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported seaweeds and plant products worth $26.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 8.6 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 18th of 177 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was down 53% on 2023.
Which countries buy seaweeds and plant products from South Africa?
Japan was the largest buyer with 32% of the value ($8.5 million), followed by Germany (15%) and China (9%). The top three together account for 57%, out of 73 buyer countries in total. Italy grew fastest among the top ten, up 46% on the year.
What is the average export price of seaweeds and plant products per kg?
The average declared export value was about $3.06 per kg in 2024, 350% above the world average of $0.68 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 seaweeds and plant products from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $70.7 million in 2017 to $26.2 million in 2024, a fall of 63%. The peak was 2018 at $76.6 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import seaweeds and plant products?
Yes. South Africa imported $4.4 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Ireland, China and Australia. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $21.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for seaweeds and plant products?
The HS code for seaweeds and plant products is heading 1212. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 1212.99 (77% of the value) and 1212.29 (14%). 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 1212 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.
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.