Sunflower seed exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $9.9 million of sunflower seed in 2024 (2.2 thousand tonnes). Value rose 115% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 29% 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 | $9.9M | 2.2K t |
| 2023 | $4.6M | 946 t |
| 2022 | $6.5M | 2.1K t |
| 2021 | $4.6M | 1.6K t |
| 2020 | $2.4M | 1.9K t |
| 2019 | $1.6M | 1.4K t |
| 2018 | $3.8M | 986 t |
| 2017 | $1.7M | 943 t |
Where South Africa exports sunflower seed to
One buyer market dominates: Zimbabwe accounted for 72% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, Zimbabwe grew fastest (+227% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $7.2M | 73% |
| Kenya | $868K | 8.8% |
| Pakistan | $674K | 6.8% |
| United Arab Emirates | $354K | 3.6% |
| Tanzania | $178K | 1.8% |
| Uganda | $161K | 1.6% |
| Botswana | $150K | 1.5% |
| Ethiopia | $101K | 1% |
| Djibouti | $91K | 0.9% |
| Namibia | $50K | 0.5% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $4.52 per kg, 420% above the world average of $0.87. 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.
Sunflower seed imports to South Africa
In 2024, South Africa imported sunflower seed worth $2.9 million (3.2 thousand tonnes). Most of the value came from Spain (31%), Botswana (25%), Argentina (13%). Among the main suppliers, Chile grew fastest (+92% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Spain | $922K | 31% |
| Botswana | $745K | 25% |
| Argentina | $384K | 13% |
| Bulgaria | $305K | 10% |
| Brazil | $291K | 9.9% |
| Egypt | $146K | 5% |
| Chile | $64K | 2.2% |
| United States | $54K | 1.8% |
| France | $12K | 0.4% |
| Japan | $12K | 0.4% |
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 1206: Sunflower seeds; whether or not broken.
Common questions
What is the value of sunflower seed exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported sunflower seed worth $9.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 2.2 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 26th of 115 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was up 115% on 2023.
Which countries buy sunflower seed from South Africa?
Zimbabwe was the largest buyer with 72% of the value ($7.2 million), followed by Kenya (9%) and Pakistan (7%). The top three together account for 88%, out of 35 buyer countries in total. Zimbabwe grew fastest among the top ten, up 227% on the year.
What is the average export price of sunflower seed per kg?
The average declared export value was about $4.52 per kg in 2024, 420% above the world average of $0.87 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 sunflower seed from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $1.7 million in 2017 to $9.9 million in 2024, an increase of 484%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import sunflower seed?
Yes. South Africa imported $2.9 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Spain, Botswana and Argentina. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $7.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for sunflower seed?
The HS code for sunflower seed is heading 1206. In South Africa all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 1206.00. 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 1206 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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