Whey and milk products imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of whey and milk products by South Africa reached $21.6 million in 2024 (11.1 thousand tonnes). That is 20% less than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2022, at $41.9 million.
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 | $21.6M | 11.1K t |
| 2023 | $27.1M | 11.7K t |
| 2022 | $41.9M | 19.2K t |
| 2021 | $39.6M | 17.3K t |
| 2020 | $36.0M | 15.8K t |
| 2019 | $38.9M | 21.9K t |
| 2018 | $25.7M | 19.1K t |
| 2017 | $17.6M | 7.6K t |
Where South Africa imports whey and milk products from
Most of the value came from France (43%), Germany (18%), Denmark (9%). Among the main suppliers, Norway grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| France | $9.3M | 43% |
| Germany | $3.9M | 18% |
| Denmark | $2.0M | 9.1% |
| United Kingdom | $1.9M | 9% |
| Switzerland | $1.1M | 4.9% |
| Norway | $726K | 3.4% |
| Hungary | $575K | 2.7% |
| Portugal | $470K | 2.2% |
| Netherlands | $418K | 1.9% |
| Poland | $354K | 1.6% |
Product types under HS 0404
| 0404.10 | Dairy produce: whey, whether or not concentrated or containing added sugar or other sweetening matter | 93% |
| 0404.90 | Dairy produce: natural milk constituents (excluding whey), whether or not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter, n.e.c. in chapter 04 | 7.4% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 0404.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.95 per kg, 55% above the world average of $1.26. 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 and milk products exports from South Africa
Exports of whey and milk products by South Africa reached $4.3 million in 2024 (4.9 thousand tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Zambia (29%), Lesotho (17%), Eswatini (15%). Among the main buyer markets, Eswatini grew fastest (+79% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zambia | $1.2M | 29% |
| Lesotho | $736K | 17% |
| Eswatini | $660K | 15% |
| Zimbabwe | $597K | 14% |
| Botswana | $396K | 9.2% |
| Namibia | $248K | 5.8% |
| Mozambique | $128K | 3% |
| Malaysia | $98K | 2.3% |
| Malawi | $91K | 2.1% |
| DR Congo | $79K | 1.8% |
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 0404: Whey and products consisting of natural milk constituents; whether or not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter, not elsewhere specified or included.
Common questions
What is the value of whey and milk products imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported whey and milk products worth $21.6 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 11.1 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 40th of 194 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 20% on 2023.
Which countries supply whey and milk products to South Africa?
France was the largest supplier with 43% of the value ($9.3 million), followed by Germany (18%) and Denmark (9%). The top three together account for 70%, out of 23 supplier countries in total. Hungary grew fastest among the top ten, up 195% on the year.
What is the average import price of whey and milk products per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.95 per kg in 2024, 55% above the world average of $1.26 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 whey and milk products to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $17.6 million in 2017 to $21.6 million in 2024, an increase of 23%. The peak was 2022 at $41.9 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export whey and milk products?
Yes. South Africa exported $4.3 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zambia, Lesotho and Eswatini. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $17.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for whey and milk products?
The HS code for whey and milk products is heading 0404. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 0404.10 (93% of the value) and 0404.90 (7%). 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?
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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