Spirits (other types) imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $22.1 million of spirits (other types) in 2024 (2.3 thousand tonnes). Value fell 37% from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2023, at $35.4 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 | $22.1M | 2.3K t |
| 2023 | $35.4M | 4.2K t |
| 2022 | $22.9M | 3.0K t |
| 2021 | $13.1M | 2.7K t |
| 2020 | $10.1M | 1.9K t |
| 2019 | $16.5M | 3.7K t |
| 2018 | $17.6M | 3.5K t |
| 2017 | $16.4M | 3.4K t |
Where South Africa imports spirits (other types) from
One supplier dominates: Mexico accounted for 88% of the value.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Mexico | $19.5M | 88% |
| Spain | $697K | 3.2% |
| China | $609K | 2.8% |
| United Kingdom | $327K | 1.5% |
| Sweden | $221K | 1% |
| Italy | $221K | 1% |
| France | $146K | 0.7% |
| United States | $105K | 0.5% |
| Germany | $102K | 0.5% |
| Barbados | $80K | 0.4% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $9.76 per kg, 83% above the world average of $5.34. 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 (other types) exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $15.9 million of spirits (other types) in 2024 (6.8 thousand tonnes). Most of it went to Namibia (20%), Botswana (12%), Zimbabwe (11%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 43%. Among the main buyer markets, Australia grew fastest (+267% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $3.1M | 20% |
| Botswana | $2.0M | 12% |
| Zimbabwe | $1.7M | 11% |
| Eswatini | $1.4M | 9% |
| Japan | $1.3M | 8.3% |
| Zambia | $976K | 6.2% |
| Lesotho | $976K | 6.2% |
| Australia | $754K | 4.8% |
| Hong Kong | $713K | 4.5% |
| Mozambique | $670K | 4.2% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa spirits (other types) imports (HS 2208.90): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
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Mirror data: built from the shipment records of the countries that trade with it.
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 2208.90: Spirits, liqueurs and other spirituous beverages: n.e.c. in heading no. 2208.
Common questions
What is the value of spirits (other types) imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported spirits (other types) worth $22.1 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 2.3 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 51st of 223 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 37% on 2023.
Which countries supply spirits (other types) to South Africa?
Mexico was the largest supplier with 88% of the value ($19.5 million), followed by Spain (3%) and China (3%). The top three together account for 94%, out of 54 supplier countries in total. Sweden grew fastest among the top ten, up 25% on the year.
What is the average import price of spirits (other types) per kg?
The average declared import value was about $9.76 per kg in 2024, 83% above the world average of $5.34 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of spirits (other types) to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $16.4 million in 2017 to $22.1 million in 2024, an increase of 35%. The peak was 2023 at $35.4 million. Over 8 years the average was $19.3 million a year.
Does South Africa also export spirits (other types)?
Yes. South Africa exported $15.9 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 $6.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for spirits (other types)?
The HS code for spirits (other types) is subheading 2208.90. 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?
EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, so the companies shipping to and from it are visible. Ask for a live look at your product.
Same product, other countries
World spirits (other types) trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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