Semi-skimmed milk exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of semi-skimmed milk by South Africa reached $28.0 million in 2024 (31.6 thousand tonnes). That is 22% less than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2021, at $39.6 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 | $28.0M | 31.6K t |
| 2023 | $35.8M | 53.7K t |
| 2022 | $35.4M | 53.6K t |
| 2021 | $39.6M | 56.4K t |
| 2020 | $35.7M | 59.6K t |
| 2019 | $35.0M | 53.3K t |
| 2018 | $32.1M | 57.2K t |
| 2017 | $31.5M | 49.8K t |
Where South Africa exports semi-skimmed milk to
The largest buyer markets were Namibia (41%), Mozambique (26%), Eswatini (12%). Among the main buyer markets, Mauritius grew fastest (+151% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $11.5M | 41% |
| Mozambique | $7.4M | 26% |
| Eswatini | $3.2M | 12% |
| Mauritius | $1.6M | 5.6% |
| Botswana | $912K | 3.3% |
| Zambia | $787K | 2.8% |
| Malawi | $617K | 2.2% |
| Tanzania | $609K | 2.2% |
| DR Congo | $549K | 2% |
| Angola | $286K | 1% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.88 per kg, 38% above the world average of $0.64. 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.
Semi-skimmed milk imports to South Africa
In 2024, South Africa imported semi-skimmed milk worth $540 thousand (380 tonnes). Most of the value came from Italy (37%), France (34%), Germany (26%).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Italy | $200K | 37% |
| France | $181K | 34% |
| Germany | $142K | 26% |
| Brazil | $16K | 2.9% |
| Bulgaria | $0K | 0.1% |
| United States | $0K | 0% |
| Nigeria | $0K | 0% |
| Netherlands | $0K | 0% |
| Denmark | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa semi-skimmed milk exports (HS 0401.20): 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 0401.20: Dairy produce: milk and cream, not concentrated, not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter, of a fat content, by weight, exceeding 1% but not exceeding 6%.
Common questions
What is the value of semi-skimmed milk exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported semi-skimmed milk worth $28.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 31.6 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 30th of 125 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was down 22% on 2023.
Which countries buy semi-skimmed milk from South Africa?
Namibia was the largest buyer with 41% of the value ($11.5 million), followed by Mozambique (26%) and Eswatini (12%). The top three together account for 79%, out of 32 buyer countries in total. Mauritius grew fastest among the top ten, up 151% on the year.
What is the average export price of semi-skimmed milk per kg?
The average declared export value was about $0.88 per kg in 2024, 38% above the world average of $0.64 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have exports of semi-skimmed milk from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $31.5 million in 2017 to $28.0 million in 2024, a fall of 11%. The peak was 2021 at $39.6 million. Over 8 years the average was $34.1 million a year.
Does South Africa also import semi-skimmed milk?
Yes. South Africa imported $540 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Italy, France and Germany. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $27.4 million a year.
What is the HS code for semi-skimmed milk?
The HS code for semi-skimmed milk is subheading 0401.20. It sits in HS chapter 04 (dairy produce; birds' eggs; natural honey; edible products of animal origin, not elsewhere specified or included). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 0401 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
The totals here are public statistics; EximDataX adds the company names by reading partner countries' customs records for South Africa. Tell us your product to see it live.
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