Seed potatoes exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, South Africa exported seed potatoes worth $13.9 million (20.7 thousand tonnes). That makes it the 10th largest exporter of this product worldwide, out of 95 countries. Value rose 21% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 8% a year on average.
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 | $13.9M | 20.7K t |
| 2023 | $11.5M | 17.5K t |
| 2022 | $16.8M | 30.6K t |
| 2021 | $12.2M | 18.3K t |
| 2020 | $7.0M | 11.7K t |
| 2019 | $6.3M | 10.0K t |
| 2018 | $8.6M | 11.6K t |
| 2017 | $7.9M | 13.4K t |
Where South Africa exports seed potatoes to
Zimbabwe alone took 64% of it. Among the main buyer markets, Lesotho grew fastest (+304% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $8.9M | 64% |
| Namibia | $1.2M | 8.6% |
| Botswana | $1.1M | 8.2% |
| Mozambique | $851K | 6.1% |
| Lesotho | $671K | 4.8% |
| Zambia | $484K | 3.5% |
| Egypt | $140K | 1% |
| Mauritius | $135K | 1% |
| United Arab Emirates | $111K | 0.8% |
| Kuwait | $95K | 0.7% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.67 per kg, close to the world average of $0.76.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Seed potatoes imports to South Africa
In 2024, South Africa imported seed potatoes worth $363 thousand (464 tonnes). Netherlands alone supplied 90% of it. Among the main suppliers, Netherlands grew fastest (+459% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Netherlands | $327K | 90% |
| United Kingdom | $31K | 8.5% |
| Mozambique | $5K | 1.5% |
| Nigeria | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa seed potatoes exports (HS 0701.10): 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 0701.10: Vegetables: seed potatoes, fresh or chilled.
Common questions
What is the value of seed potatoes exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported seed potatoes worth $13.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 20.7 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 10th of 95 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was up 21% on 2023.
Which countries buy seed potatoes from South Africa?
Zimbabwe was the largest buyer with 64% of the value ($8.9 million), followed by Namibia (9%) and Botswana (8%). The top three together account for 81%, out of 21 buyer countries in total. Mauritius grew fastest among the top ten, up 423% on the year.
What is the average export price of seed potatoes per kg?
The average declared export value was about $0.67 per kg in 2024, 12% below the world average of $0.76 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of seed potatoes from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $7.9 million in 2017 to $13.9 million in 2024, an increase of 77%. The peak was 2022 at $16.8 million. Over 8 years the average was $10.5 million a year.
Does South Africa also import seed potatoes?
Yes. South Africa imported $363 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly from the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Mozambique. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $13.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for seed potatoes?
The HS code for seed potatoes is subheading 0701.10. It sits in HS chapter 07 (vegetables and certain roots and tubers; edible). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 0701 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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