Watermelons exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of watermelons by South Africa reached $5.0 million in 2024 (3.9 thousand tonnes). Value fell 4% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 13% a year on average.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
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Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $5.0M | 3.9K t |
| 2023 | $5.3M | 4.9K t |
| 2022 | $2.5M | 3.6K t |
| 2021 | $4.2M | 5.5K t |
| 2020 | $1.6M | 3.1K t |
| 2019 | $3.1M | 5.6K t |
| 2018 | $1.9M | 3.5K t |
| 2017 | $2.1M | 3.0K t |
Where South Africa exports watermelons to
United Kingdom alone took 52% of it. Among the main buyer markets, Mauritius grew fastest (+528% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | $2.6M | 52% |
| United Arab Emirates | $546K | 11% |
| Mozambique | $392K | 7.8% |
| Netherlands | $311K | 6.2% |
| Mauritius | $272K | 5.4% |
| Lesotho | $227K | 4.5% |
| Eswatini | $223K | 4.5% |
| Qatar | $106K | 2.1% |
| Germany | $82K | 1.6% |
| Kuwait | $36K | 0.7% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.29 per kg, 122% above the world average of $0.58. 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.
Watermelons imports to South Africa
South Africa imported $927 thousand of watermelons in 2024 (1.1 thousand tonnes). One supplier dominates: Namibia accounted for 99% of the value. Among the main suppliers, Namibia grew fastest (+227% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $922K | 99% |
| United Kingdom | $5K | 0.6% |
| United States | $0K | 0% |
| Nigeria | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa watermelons exports (HS 0807.11): 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 0807.11: Fruit, edible: watermelons, fresh.
Common questions
What is the value of watermelons exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported watermelons worth $5.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 3.9 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 35th of 137 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was down 4% on 2023.
Which countries buy watermelons from South Africa?
The United Kingdom was the largest buyer with 52% of the value ($2.6 million), followed by the United Arab Emirates (11%) and Mozambique (8%). The top three together account for 71%, out of 35 buyer countries in total. Mauritius grew fastest among the top ten, up 528% on the year.
What is the average export price of watermelons per kg?
The average declared export value was about $1.29 per kg in 2024, 122% above the world average of $0.58 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of watermelons from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $2.1 million in 2017 to $5.0 million in 2024, an increase of 140%. The peak was 2023 at $5.3 million. Over 8 years the average was $3.2 million a year.
Does South Africa also import watermelons?
Yes. South Africa imported $927 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Namibia, the United Kingdom and the United States. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $4.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for watermelons?
The HS code for watermelons is subheading 0807.11. 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 0807 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, so the companies shipping to and from it are visible. Ask for a live look at your product.
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