Starchy roots and tubers exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, South Africa exported starchy roots and tubers worth $10.8 million (10.3 thousand tonnes). Value rose 15% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 16% 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 | $10.8M | 10.3K t |
| 2023 | $9.4M | 10.5K t |
| 2022 | $11.8M | 15.3K t |
| 2021 | $13.5M | 15.3K t |
| 2020 | $7.6M | 8.3K t |
| 2019 | $5.2M | 6.7K t |
| 2018 | $2.3M | 2.2K t |
| 2017 | $3.8M | 4.5K t |
Where South Africa exports starchy roots and tubers to
Most of it went to United Kingdom (40%), Netherlands (27%), United Arab Emirates (9%). Among the main buyer markets, United Kingdom grew fastest (+105% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | $4.3M | 40% |
| Netherlands | $2.9M | 27% |
| United Arab Emirates | $954K | 8.8% |
| France | $592K | 5.5% |
| Namibia | $537K | 5% |
| Botswana | $312K | 2.9% |
| Portugal | $118K | 1.1% |
| Germany | $115K | 1.1% |
| Romania | $114K | 1.1% |
| Austria | $112K | 1% |
Product types under HS 0714
| 0714.20 | Vegetable roots and tubers: sweet potatoes, with high starch or inulin content, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not sliced or in the form… | 99% |
| 0714.10 | Vegetable roots and tubers: manioc (cassava), with high starch or inulin content, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not sliced or in the… | 0.7% |
| 0714.30 | Vegetable roots and tubers: yams (Dioscorea spp.) with high starch or inulin content, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not sliced or in… | 0.4% |
| 0714.90 | Vegetable roots and tubers: arrowroot, salep, Jerusalem artichokes and similar roots and tubers (not manioc, sweet potatoes, yams, taro or yautia)… | 0.1% |
| 0714.50 | Vegetable roots and tubers: yautia (Xanthosoma spp.) with high starch or inulin content, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not sliced or in… | 0% |
| 0714.40 | Vegetable roots and tubers: taro (Colocasia spp.) with high starch or inulin content, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not sliced or in… | 0% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 0714.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.05 per kg, 304% above the world average of $0.26. 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.
Starchy roots and tubers imports to South Africa
In 2024, South Africa imported starchy roots and tubers worth $2.5 million (7.1 thousand tonnes). Ghana alone supplied 86% of it.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Ghana | $2.1M | 86% |
| Zambia | $137K | 5.5% |
| Malawi | $51K | 2% |
| Egypt | $50K | 2% |
| China | $28K | 1.1% |
| Nigeria | $18K | 0.7% |
| Spain | $12K | 0.5% |
| Niger | $11K | 0.5% |
| Italy | $9K | 0.4% |
| Mozambique | $9K | 0.3% |
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 0714: Manioc, arrowroot, salep, Jerusalem artichokes, sweet potatoes and similar roots and tubers with high starch or inulin content; fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not sliced or in the form of pellets; sago pith.
Common questions
What is the value of starchy roots and tubers exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported starchy roots and tubers worth $10.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 10.3 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 30th of 158 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was up 15% on 2023.
Which countries buy starchy roots and tubers from South Africa?
The United Kingdom was the largest buyer with 40% of the value ($4.3 million), followed by the Netherlands (27%) and the United Arab Emirates (9%). The top three together account for 76%, out of 45 buyer countries in total. Austria grew fastest among the top ten, up 993% on the year.
What is the average export price of starchy roots and tubers per kg?
The average declared export value was about $1.05 per kg in 2024, 304% above the world average of $0.26 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 starchy roots and tubers from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $3.8 million in 2017 to $10.8 million in 2024, an increase of 187%. The peak was 2021 at $13.5 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import starchy roots and tubers?
Yes. South Africa imported $2.5 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Ghana, Zambia and Malawi. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $8.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for starchy roots and tubers?
The HS code for starchy roots and tubers is heading 0714. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 0714.20 (99% of the value) and 0714.10 (1%). It sits in HS chapter 07 (vegetables and certain roots and tubers; edible). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 0714 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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