Tomatoes imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $7.6 million of tomatoes in 2024 (6.6 thousand tonnes). That is 7% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 45% a year on average.
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 | $7.6M | 6.6K t |
| 2023 | $8.1M | 15.2K t |
| 2022 | $6.9M | 12.6K t |
| 2021 | $4.3M | 7.1K t |
| 2020 | $2.5M | 5.2K t |
| 2019 | $1.0M | 1.8K t |
| 2018 | $1.3M | 1.3K t |
| 2017 | $558K | 7.3K t |
Where South Africa imports tomatoes from
One supplier dominates: Namibia accounted for 100% of the value.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $7.6M | 100% |
| United States | $11K | 0.1% |
| Zambia | $8K | 0.1% |
| Mozambique | $2K | 0% |
| Nigeria | $0K | 0% |
| Italy | $0K | 0% |
| Tanzania | $0K | 0% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.15 per kg, 23% below the world average of $1.50, which often means bulk or lower-grade product.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Tomatoes exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $5.3 million of tomatoes in 2024 (18.4 thousand tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Mozambique (34%), Lesotho (30%), Namibia (22%). Among the main buyer markets, Namibia grew fastest (+44% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Mozambique | $1.8M | 34% |
| Lesotho | $1.6M | 30% |
| Namibia | $1.2M | 22% |
| Eswatini | $497K | 9.4% |
| Angola | $108K | 2% |
| Malawi | $35K | 0.7% |
| Botswana | $12K | 0.2% |
| DR Congo | $11K | 0.2% |
| Slovenia | $8K | 0.2% |
| United Arab Emirates | $7K | 0.1% |
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 0702: Tomatoes; fresh or chilled.
Common questions
What is the value of tomatoes imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported tomatoes worth $7.6 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 6.6 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 61st of 209 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 7% on 2023.
Which countries supply tomatoes to South Africa?
Namibia was the largest supplier with 100% of the value ($7.6 million), followed by the United States (0%) and Zambia (0%). The top three together account for 100%, out of 7 supplier countries in total.
What is the average import price of tomatoes per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.15 per kg in 2024, 23% below the world average of $1.50 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 imports of tomatoes to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $558 thousand in 2017 to $7.6 million in 2024. The peak was 2023 at $8.1 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export tomatoes?
Yes. South Africa exported $5.3 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Mozambique, Lesotho and Namibia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $2.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for tomatoes?
The HS code for tomatoes is heading 0702. In South Africa all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 0702.00. It sits in HS chapter 07 (vegetables and certain roots and tubers; edible). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 0702 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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