Soya bean oil exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $142.3 million of soya bean oil in 2024 (117.8 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. Value rose 39% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 17% 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 | $142.3M | 117.8K t |
| 2023 | $102.4M | 80.6K t |
| 2022 | $128.9M | 72.4K t |
| 2021 | $112.8M | 75.8K t |
| 2020 | $77.8M | 78.7K t |
| 2019 | $69.0M | 73.4K t |
| 2018 | $90.6M | 93.5K t |
| 2017 | $47.2M | 45.6K t |
Where South Africa exports soya bean oil to
One buyer market dominates: Zimbabwe accounted for 52% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, Mozambique grew fastest (+393% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $73.9M | 52% |
| Zambia | $41.8M | 29% |
| Mozambique | $11.7M | 8.3% |
| Botswana | $7.5M | 5.3% |
| Eswatini | $5.6M | 4% |
| Namibia | $750K | 0.5% |
| DR Congo | $685K | 0.5% |
| Lesotho | $128K | 0.1% |
| Malawi | $47K | 0% |
| Malaysia | $30K | 0% |
Product types under HS 1507
| 1507.10 | Vegetable oils: soya-bean oil and its fractions, crude, whether or not degummed, not chemically modified | 91% |
| 1507.90 | Vegetable oils: soya-bean oil and its fractions, other than crude, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified | 9.4% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 1507.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.21 per kg, 21% above the world average of $1.00. 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.
Soya bean oil imports to South Africa
South Africa imported $19.1 million of soya bean oil in 2024 (19.6 thousand tonnes). Netherlands alone supplied 53% of it.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Netherlands | $10.1M | 53% |
| Argentina | $4.7M | 25% |
| Belgium | $3.7M | 19% |
| Eswatini | $364K | 1.9% |
| Mozambique | $188K | 1% |
| Germany | $66K | 0.4% |
| Portugal | $24K | 0.1% |
| Italy | $10K | 0.1% |
| China | $9K | 0.1% |
| Spain | $7K | 0% |
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 1507: Soya-bean oil and its fractions; whether or not refined, but not chemically modified.
Common questions
What is the value of soya bean oil exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported soya bean oil worth $142.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 117.8 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 16th of 129 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was up 39% on 2023.
Which countries buy soya bean oil from South Africa?
Zimbabwe was the largest buyer with 52% of the value ($73.9 million), followed by Zambia (29%) and Mozambique (8%). The top three together account for 90%, out of 21 buyer countries in total. Mozambique grew fastest among the top ten, up 393% on the year.
What is the average export price of soya bean oil per kg?
The average declared export value was about $1.21 per kg in 2024, 21% above the world average of $1.00 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 soya bean oil from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $47.2 million in 2017 to $142.3 million in 2024, an increase of 201%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import soya bean oil?
Yes. South Africa imported $19.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from the Netherlands, Argentina and Belgium. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $123.2 million a year.
What is the HS code for soya bean oil?
The HS code for soya bean oil is heading 1507. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 1507.10 (91% of the value) and 1507.90 (9%). It sits in HS chapter 15 (animal, vegetable or microbial fats and oils and their cleavage products; prepared edible fats; animal or vegetable waxes). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 1507 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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