Soya meal exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $90.3 million of soya meal in 2024 (173.5 thousand tonnes). Value rose 52% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 19% 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 | $90.3M | 173.5K t |
| 2023 | $59.3M | 116.5K t |
| 2022 | $87.6M | 155.6K t |
| 2021 | $60.6M | 113.7K t |
| 2020 | $40.4M | 95.6K t |
| 2019 | $39.4M | 89.3K t |
| 2018 | $31.1M | 66.7K t |
| 2017 | $26.0M | 53.7K t |
Where South Africa exports soya meal to
The largest buyer markets were Zimbabwe (26%), Botswana (23%), Eswatini (21%). Among the main buyer markets, Zimbabwe grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $23.1M | 26% |
| Botswana | $20.6M | 23% |
| Eswatini | $18.6M | 21% |
| Mozambique | $16.5M | 18% |
| Namibia | $10.6M | 12% |
| Lesotho | $805K | 0.9% |
| Republic of the Congo | $37K | 0% |
| Angola | $28K | 0% |
| Guinea | $14K | 0% |
| Mauritius | $7K | 0% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.52 per kg, close to the world average of $0.45.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Soya meal imports to South Africa
South Africa imported $59.5 million of soya meal in 2024 (158.2 thousand tonnes). Argentina alone supplied 95% of it.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Argentina | $56.7M | 95% |
| Zambia | $1.8M | 3% |
| Eswatini | $638K | 1.1% |
| Malawi | $291K | 0.5% |
| Brazil | $54K | 0.1% |
| Namibia | $31K | 0.1% |
| Lesotho | $16K | 0% |
| Zimbabwe | $12K | 0% |
| France | $1K | 0% |
| Mozambique | $1K | 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 2304: Oil-cake and other solid residues; whether or not ground or in the form of pellets, resulting from the extraction of soya-bean oil.
Common questions
What is the value of soya meal exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported soya meal worth $90.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 173.5 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 21st of 127 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was up 52% on 2023.
Which countries buy soya meal from South Africa?
Zimbabwe was the largest buyer with 26% of the value ($23.1 million), followed by Botswana (23%) and Eswatini (21%). The top three together account for 69%, out of 15 buyer countries in total. Lesotho grew fastest among the top ten, up 42% on the year.
What is the average export price of soya meal per kg?
The average declared export value was about $0.52 per kg in 2024, 16% above the world average of $0.45 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 meal from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $26.0 million in 2017 to $90.3 million in 2024, an increase of 248%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import soya meal?
Yes. South Africa imported $59.5 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Argentina, Zambia and Eswatini. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $30.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for soya meal?
The HS code for soya meal is heading 2304. In South Africa all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 2304.00. It sits in HS chapter 23 (food industries, residues and wastes thereof; prepared animal fodder). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2304 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.
More trade data for South Africa
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