Seeds (other species) exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of seeds (other species) by South Africa reached $14.3 million in 2024 (728 tonnes). Its share of world exports was 3%. That is 35% less than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2022, at $24.0 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 | $14.3M | 728 t |
| 2023 | $22.0M | 882 t |
| 2022 | $24.0M | 1.5K t |
| 2021 | $17.5M | 906 t |
| 2020 | $18.5M | 1.3K t |
| 2019 | $14.0M | 1.1K t |
| 2018 | $11.9M | 500 t |
| 2017 | $12.6M | 974 t |
Where South Africa exports seeds (other species) to
The largest buyer markets were Zimbabwe (13%), Japan (13%), Zambia (11%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 37%. Among the main buyer markets, Malawi grew fastest (+693% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $1.9M | 13% |
| Japan | $1.8M | 13% |
| Zambia | $1.6M | 11% |
| Netherlands | $1.4M | 9.5% |
| United States | $1.2M | 8.5% |
| China | $952K | 6.6% |
| Brazil | $897K | 6.3% |
| Malawi | $522K | 3.6% |
| Namibia | $491K | 3.4% |
| Botswana | $451K | 3.2% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $19.67 per kg, 144% above the world average of $8.07. 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.
Seeds (other species) imports to South Africa
Imports of seeds (other species) by South Africa reached $3.1 million in 2024 (347 tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. The largest suppliers were Zimbabwe (18%), Zambia (12%), Netherlands (9%). Trade is spread widely: the top three suppliers together make up only 38%. Among the main suppliers, Israel grew fastest (+480% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $541K | 18% |
| Zambia | $370K | 12% |
| Netherlands | $272K | 8.8% |
| China | $254K | 8.2% |
| Tanzania | $202K | 6.6% |
| Canada | $192K | 6.2% |
| India | $161K | 5.2% |
| Israel | $160K | 5.2% |
| Italy | $149K | 4.8% |
| New Zealand | $109K | 3.6% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa seeds (other species) exports (HS 1209.99): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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.
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 1209.99: Seeds: n.e.c. in heading 1209, of a kind used for sowing.
Common questions
What is the value of seeds (other species) exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported seeds (other species) worth $14.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 728 tonnes. That ranks it 14th of 149 countries worldwide, with 3% of world exports. The value was down 35% on 2023.
Which countries buy seeds (other species) from South Africa?
Zimbabwe was the largest buyer with 13% of the value ($1.9 million), followed by Japan (13%) and Zambia (11%). The top three together account for 37%, out of 67 buyer countries in total. Malawi grew fastest among the top ten, up 693% on the year.
What is the average export price of seeds (other species) per kg?
The average declared export value was about $19.67 per kg in 2024, 144% above the world average of $8.07 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have exports of seeds (other species) from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $12.6 million in 2017 to $14.3 million in 2024, an increase of 14%. The peak was 2022 at $24.0 million. Over 8 years the average was $16.8 million a year.
Does South Africa also import seeds (other species)?
Yes. South Africa imported $3.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Zimbabwe, Zambia and the Netherlands. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $11.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for seeds (other species)?
The HS code for seeds (other species) is subheading 1209.99. 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 1209 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 seeds (other species) trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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.