Sweet cherries exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of sweet cherries by South Africa reached $7.3 million in 2024 (1.1 thousand tonnes). That is 8% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 23% 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 | $7.3M | 1.1K t |
| 2023 | $8.0M | 949 t |
| 2022 | $6.4M | 995 t |
| 2021 | $5.2M | 721 t |
| 2020 | $2.2M | 373 t |
| 2019 | $1.7M | 548 t |
| 2018 | $2.1M | 471 t |
| 2017 | $1.7M | 447 t |
Where South Africa exports sweet cherries to
The largest buyer markets were United Kingdom (43%), Netherlands (18%), United Arab Emirates (7%). Among the main buyer markets, Singapore grew fastest (+72% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | $3.1M | 43% |
| Netherlands | $1.3M | 18% |
| United Arab Emirates | $501K | 6.8% |
| Singapore | $346K | 4.7% |
| Malaysia | $303K | 4.1% |
| Saudi Arabia | $173K | 2.4% |
| Germany | $168K | 2.3% |
| Ireland | $144K | 2% |
| Spain | $130K | 1.8% |
| Mauritius | $121K | 1.7% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $6.43 per kg, close to the world average of $5.47.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Sweet cherries imports to South Africa
In 2024, South Africa imported sweet cherries worth $918 thousand (149 tonnes). Spain alone supplied 71% of it. Among the main suppliers, Spain grew fastest (+234% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Spain | $654K | 71% |
| United Kingdom | $238K | 26% |
| Netherlands | $18K | 2% |
| Bulgaria | $9K | 0.9% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa sweet cherries exports (HS 0809.29): 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 0809.29: Fruit, edible: cherries, other than sour cherries (Prunus cerasus), fresh.
Common questions
What is the value of sweet cherries exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported sweet cherries worth $7.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.1 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 22nd of 103 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was down 8% on 2023.
Which countries buy sweet cherries from South Africa?
The United Kingdom was the largest buyer with 43% of the value ($3.1 million), followed by the Netherlands (18%) and the United Arab Emirates (7%). The top three together account for 68%, out of 51 buyer countries in total. Spain grew fastest among the top ten, up 155% on the year.
What is the average export price of sweet cherries per kg?
The average declared export value was about $6.43 per kg in 2024, 18% above the world average of $5.47 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of sweet cherries from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $1.7 million in 2017 to $7.3 million in 2024, an increase of 321%. The peak was 2023 at $8.0 million. Over 8 years the average was $4.3 million a year.
Does South Africa also import sweet cherries?
Yes. South Africa imported $918 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Spain, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $6.4 million a year.
What is the HS code for sweet cherries?
The HS code for sweet cherries is subheading 0809.29. It sits in HS chapter 08 (fruit and nuts, edible; peel of citrus fruit or melons). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 0809 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
More trade data for South Africa
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