Sugar blends and invert sugar imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported sugar blends and invert sugar worth $55.7 million (65.8 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 2%. That is 37% more than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
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 | $55.7M | 65.8K t |
| 2023 | $40.8M | 49.5K t |
| 2022 | $37.1M | 43.6K t |
| 2021 | $39.9M | 43.1K t |
| 2020 | $33.4M | 39.3K t |
| 2019 | $34.5M | 37.5K t |
| 2018 | $32.1M | 20.8K t |
| 2017 | $37.8M | 33.0K t |
Where South Africa imports sugar blends and invert sugar from
Eswatini alone supplied 69% of it. Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+67% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Eswatini | $38.5M | 69% |
| China | $11.7M | 21% |
| Belgium | $1.1M | 2% |
| France | $763K | 1.4% |
| Malaysia | $630K | 1.1% |
| Slovakia | $526K | 0.9% |
| Spain | $494K | 0.9% |
| United Kingdom | $413K | 0.7% |
| India | $233K | 0.4% |
| Germany | $210K | 0.4% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.85 per kg, close to the world average of $0.83.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Sugar blends and invert sugar exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported sugar blends and invert sugar worth $5.9 million (2.9 thousand tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Brazil (20%), Zimbabwe (13%), Namibia (11%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 43%. Among the main buyer markets, Zimbabwe grew fastest (+186% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Brazil | $1.2M | 20% |
| Zimbabwe | $762K | 13% |
| Namibia | $626K | 11% |
| Mozambique | $528K | 8.9% |
| Australia | $417K | 7.1% |
| Nigeria | $361K | 6.1% |
| Eswatini | $354K | 6% |
| New Zealand | $227K | 3.9% |
| Botswana | $225K | 3.8% |
| Zambia | $218K | 3.7% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa sugar blends and invert sugar imports (HS 1702.90): 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 1702.90: Sugars: n.e.c. in heading no. 1702, including invert sugar and other sugar and sugar syrup blends containing, in the dry state, 50% by weight of fructose.
Common questions
What is the value of sugar blends and invert sugar imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported sugar blends and invert sugar worth $55.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 65.8 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 17th of 219 countries worldwide, with 2% of world imports. The value was up 37% on 2023.
Which countries supply sugar blends and invert sugar to South Africa?
Eswatini was the largest supplier with 69% of the value ($38.5 million), followed by China (21%) and Belgium (2%). The top three together account for 92%, out of 45 supplier countries in total. Spain grew fastest among the top ten, up 167% on the year.
What is the average import price of sugar blends and invert sugar per kg?
The average declared import value was about $0.85 per kg in 2024, close to the world average of $0.83 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of sugar blends and invert sugar to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $37.8 million in 2017 to $55.7 million in 2024, an increase of 47%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $38.9 million a year.
Does South Africa also export sugar blends and invert sugar?
Yes. South Africa exported $5.9 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Brazil, Zimbabwe and Namibia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $49.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for sugar blends and invert sugar?
The HS code for sugar blends and invert sugar is subheading 1702.90. It sits in HS chapter 17 (sugars and sugar confectionery). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 1702 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
For South Africa, EximDataX reads the shipment records of the countries that trade with it and shows the companies on both sides. We can walk you through your product on a short call.
Same product, other countries
World sugar blends and invert sugar trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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