Spirits and liqueurs imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported spirits and liqueurs worth $359.4 million (44.8 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value rose 4% on 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2018, at $707.3 million.
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 | $359.4M | 44.8K t |
| 2023 | $345.8M | 42.4K t |
| 2022 | $372.3M | 57.5K t |
| 2021 | $309.7M | 46.2K t |
| 2020 | $224.8M | 36.8K t |
| 2019 | $320.8M | 59.2K t |
| 2018 | $707.3M | 55.2K t |
| 2017 | $285.3M | 50.9K t |
Where South Africa imports spirits and liqueurs from
The largest suppliers were France (34%), United Kingdom (26%), Ireland (16%).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| France | $121.6M | 34% |
| United Kingdom | $91.9M | 26% |
| Ireland | $58.8M | 16% |
| Germany | $27.7M | 7.7% |
| Mexico | $19.8M | 5.5% |
| United States | $15.8M | 4.4% |
| Canada | $5.1M | 1.4% |
| Australia | $4.7M | 1.3% |
| Italy | $2.6M | 0.7% |
| Sweden | $1.4M | 0.4% |
Product types under HS 2208
| 2208.30 | Whiskies | 44% |
| 2208.20 | Spirits obtained by distilling grape wine or grape marc | 35% |
| 2208.70 | Liqueurs and cordials | 9.2% |
| 2208.90 | Spirits, liqueurs and other spirituous beverages: n.e.c. in heading no. 2208 | 6.2% |
| 2208.50 | Gin and geneva | 2.9% |
| 2208.40 | Rum and other spirits obtained by distilling fermented sugar-cane products | 1.9% |
| 2208.60 | Vodka | 1% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 2208.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $8.03 per kg, 48% above the world average of $5.43. 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.
Spirits and liqueurs exports from South Africa
Exports of spirits and liqueurs by South Africa reached $128.9 million in 2024 (33.0 thousand tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Namibia (24%), Botswana (11%), Zimbabwe (9%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 43%. Among the main buyer markets, DR Congo grew fastest (+119% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $30.4M | 24% |
| Botswana | $13.9M | 11% |
| Zimbabwe | $11.1M | 8.6% |
| Eswatini | $7.7M | 6% |
| Lesotho | $5.4M | 4.2% |
| Zambia | $5.0M | 3.9% |
| DR Congo | $4.3M | 3.4% |
| France | $4.1M | 3.1% |
| United States | $3.5M | 2.8% |
| Brazil | $3.5M | 2.7% |
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
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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 2208: Ethyl alcohol, undenatured; of an alcoholic strength by volume of less than 80% volume; spirits, liqueurs and other spirituous beverages.
Common questions
What is the value of spirits and liqueurs imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported spirits and liqueurs worth $359.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 44.8 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 26th of 226 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 4% on 2023.
Which countries supply spirits and liqueurs to South Africa?
France was the largest supplier with 34% of the value ($121.6 million), followed by the United Kingdom (26%) and Ireland (16%). The top three together account for 76%, out of 96 supplier countries in total. Australia grew fastest among the top ten, up 174% on the year.
What is the average import price of spirits and liqueurs per kg?
The average declared import value was about $8.03 per kg in 2024, 48% above the world average of $5.43 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 spirits and liqueurs to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $285.3 million in 2017 to $359.4 million in 2024, an increase of 26%. The peak was 2018 at $707.3 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export spirits and liqueurs?
Yes. South Africa exported $128.9 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $230.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for spirits and liqueurs?
The HS code for spirits and liqueurs is heading 2208. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 2208.30 (44% of the value) and 2208.20 (35%). It sits in HS chapter 22 (beverages, spirits and vinegar). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2208 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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