Sorghum imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $35.1 million of sorghum in 2024 (151.9 thousand tonnes). It ranks 4th of 160 countries for imports of this product. Value rose 41% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 18% a year on average.
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 | $35.1M | 151.9K t |
| 2023 | $24.9M | 86.7K t |
| 2022 | $6.1M | 16.7K t |
| 2021 | $3.3M | 8.6K t |
| 2020 | $2.7M | 5.4K t |
| 2019 | $14.2M | 50.3K t |
| 2018 | $15.8M | 57.0K t |
| 2017 | $11.1M | 2.8K t |
Where South Africa imports sorghum from
One supplier dominates: Brazil accounted for 93% of the value. Among the main suppliers, Brazil grew fastest (+120% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Brazil | $32.7M | 93% |
| Australia | $1.2M | 3.3% |
| India | $413K | 1.2% |
| United States | $290K | 0.8% |
| Zimbabwe | $278K | 0.8% |
| Zambia | $142K | 0.4% |
| Ukraine | $116K | 0.3% |
| Malawi | $7K | 0% |
| Botswana | $5K | 0% |
| Belgium | $1K | 0% |
Product types under HS 1007
| 1007.90 | Cereals: grain sorghum, other than seed | 95% |
| 1007.10 | Cereals: grain sorghum, seed | 5.2% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 1007.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.23 per kg, close to the world average of $0.27.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Sorghum exports from South Africa
Exports of sorghum by South Africa reached $19.3 million in 2024 (37.0 thousand tonnes). That makes it the 9th largest exporter of this product worldwide, out of 105 countries. One buyer market dominates: Botswana accounted for 69% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, Botswana grew fastest (+178% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Botswana | $13.2M | 69% |
| Zimbabwe | $3.4M | 18% |
| Eswatini | $1.2M | 6.3% |
| Mozambique | $399K | 2.1% |
| Morocco | $370K | 1.9% |
| Angola | $278K | 1.4% |
| Namibia | $178K | 0.9% |
| Zambia | $88K | 0.5% |
| Malawi | $30K | 0.2% |
| Kenya | $27K | 0.1% |
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 1007: Grain sorghum.
Common questions
What is the value of sorghum imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported sorghum worth $35.1 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 151.9 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 4th of 160 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 41% on 2023.
Which countries supply sorghum to South Africa?
Brazil was the largest supplier with 93% of the value ($32.7 million), followed by Australia (3%) and India (1%). The top three together account for 98%, out of 16 supplier countries in total. India grew fastest among the top ten, up 652% on the year.
What is the average import price of sorghum per kg?
The average declared import value was about $0.23 per kg in 2024, 15% below the world average of $0.27 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 imports of sorghum to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $11.1 million in 2017 to $35.1 million in 2024, an increase of 217%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export sorghum?
Yes. South Africa exported $19.3 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Botswana, Zimbabwe and Eswatini. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $15.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for sorghum?
The HS code for sorghum is heading 1007. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 1007.90 (95% of the value) and 1007.10 (5%). It sits in HS chapter 10 (cereals). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 1007 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.
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