Soybeans exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of soybeans by South Africa reached $89.5 million in 2024 (153.1 thousand tonnes). Value fell 84% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 79% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2023, at $545.4 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 | $89.5M | 153.1K t |
| 2023 | $545.4M | 841.2K t |
| 2022 | $174.0M | 222.2K t |
| 2021 | $30.5M | 41.3K t |
| 2020 | $4.1M | 4.8K t |
| 2019 | $3.3M | 5.4K t |
| 2018 | $25.8M | 61.0K t |
| 2017 | $1.5M | 2.2K t |
Where South Africa exports soybeans to
Zimbabwe alone took 59% of it. Among the main buyer markets, Zimbabwe grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $53.0M | 59% |
| Malaysia | $16.1M | 18% |
| Vietnam | $14.3M | 16% |
| Eswatini | $3.7M | 4.1% |
| Mozambique | $825K | 0.9% |
| Angola | $663K | 0.7% |
| Zambia | $438K | 0.5% |
| Indonesia | $293K | 0.3% |
| Botswana | $138K | 0.2% |
| DR Congo | $61K | 0.1% |
Product types under HS 1201
| 1201.90 | Soya beans: other than seed, whether or not broken | 92% |
| 1201.10 | Soya beans: seed, whether or not broken | 7.9% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 1201.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.58 per kg, 23% above the world average of $0.47. 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.
Soybeans imports to South Africa
Imports of soybeans by South Africa reached $45.5 million in 2024 (60.8 thousand tonnes). One supplier dominates: United States accounted for 96% of the value.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $43.8M | 96% |
| Ukraine | $697K | 1.5% |
| Canada | $327K | 0.7% |
| Eswatini | $223K | 0.5% |
| Zambia | $173K | 0.4% |
| China | $160K | 0.4% |
| Tanzania | $66K | 0.2% |
| Nigeria | $32K | 0.1% |
| Argentina | $19K | 0% |
| Spain | $5K | 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 1201: Soya beans, whether or not broken.
Common questions
What is the value of soybeans exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported soybeans worth $89.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 153.1 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 19th of 140 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was down 84% on 2023.
Which countries buy soybeans from South Africa?
Zimbabwe was the largest buyer with 59% of the value ($53.0 million), followed by Malaysia (18%) and Vietnam (16%). The top three together account for 93%, out of 24 buyer countries in total. Angola grew fastest among the top ten, up 356% on the year.
What is the average export price of soybeans per kg?
The average declared export value was about $0.58 per kg in 2024, 23% above the world average of $0.47 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 soybeans from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $1.5 million in 2017 to $89.5 million in 2024. The peak was 2023 at $545.4 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import soybeans?
Yes. South Africa imported $45.5 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from the United States, Ukraine and Canada. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $44.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for soybeans?
The HS code for soybeans is heading 1201. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 1201.90 (92% of the value) and 1201.10 (8%). 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 1201 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.
Same product, other countries
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.