Whey exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of whey by South Africa reached $2.3 million in 2024 (1.7 thousand tonnes). That is 16% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 6% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2017, at $3.5 million.
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 | $2.3M | 1.7K t |
| 2023 | $2.8M | 1.7K t |
| 2022 | $2.9M | 1.8K t |
| 2021 | $1.7M | 1.0K t |
| 2020 | $888K | 536 t |
| 2019 | $396K | 259 t |
| 2018 | $1.1M | 557 t |
| 2017 | $3.5M | 4.1K t |
Where South Africa exports whey to
Zambia alone took 51% of it. Among the main buyer markets, Botswana grew fastest (+332% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zambia | $1.2M | 51% |
| Zimbabwe | $589K | 25% |
| Eswatini | $125K | 5.4% |
| Malawi | $85K | 3.6% |
| Botswana | $77K | 3.3% |
| DR Congo | $75K | 3.2% |
| Malaysia | $63K | 2.7% |
| Namibia | $52K | 2.2% |
| Mozambique | $27K | 1.1% |
| Angola | $16K | 0.7% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.38 per kg, 35% above the world average of $1.02. 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.
Whey imports to South Africa
Imports of whey by South Africa reached $20.0 million in 2024 (10.8 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Most of the value came from France (41%), Germany (19%), Denmark (10%). Among the main suppliers, Norway grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| France | $8.2M | 41% |
| Germany | $3.9M | 19% |
| Denmark | $2.0M | 9.8% |
| United Kingdom | $1.9M | 9.8% |
| Switzerland | $1.1M | 5.3% |
| Norway | $726K | 3.6% |
| Hungary | $575K | 2.9% |
| Portugal | $470K | 2.4% |
| Poland | $354K | 1.8% |
| Netherlands | $316K | 1.6% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa whey exports (HS 0404.10): 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 0404.10: Dairy produce: whey, whether or not concentrated or containing added sugar or other sweetening matter.
Common questions
What is the value of whey exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported whey worth $2.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.7 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 42nd of 104 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was down 16% on 2023.
Which countries buy whey from South Africa?
Zambia was the largest buyer with 51% of the value ($1.2 million), followed by Zimbabwe (25%) and Eswatini (5%). The top three together account for 82%, out of 20 buyer countries in total. Angola grew fastest among the top ten, up 519% on the year.
What is the average export price of whey per kg?
The average declared export value was about $1.38 per kg in 2024, 35% above the world average of $1.02 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have exports of whey from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $3.5 million in 2017 to $2.3 million in 2024, a fall of 34%. The peak was 2017 at $3.5 million. Over 8 years the average was $2.0 million a year.
Does South Africa also import whey?
Yes. South Africa imported $20.0 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from France, Germany and Denmark. That compares with exports of $2.3 million in the same year.
What is the HS code for whey?
The HS code for whey is subheading 0404.10. It sits in HS chapter 04 (dairy produce; birds' eggs; natural honey; edible products of animal origin, not elsewhere specified or included). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 0404 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
The totals here are public statistics; EximDataX adds the company names by reading partner countries' customs records for South Africa. Tell us your product to see it live.
Same product, other countries
More trade data for South Africa
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