Market research

Apple market in South Africa

Release date: Mar 28, 2026

Submission: 15 minutes after payment

Research period: 2017-2025

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Earlier Report Observations

South Africa's fresh apple market volume expanded from 381 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 607 thousand tonnes in 2022. This growth was driven by a rise in domestic production, which increased from 830 thousand tonnes to over 1.2 million tonnes. The introduction of new cultivars like Fuji Royal and the planting of export-focused clones such as Rosy Glow allowed growers to meet strong international demand, particularly from Asia. Investments in cold storage infrastructure helped maintain a steady year-round supply, supporting both export shipments and domestic market availability.

In 2023, the market volume experienced a slight decrease to 592 thousand tonnes. During this period, the industry continued to prioritize export markets, with preparations for improved access exemplified by the first scheduled shipment of Joya apples to Thailand in early 2025. Major industry organizations, including the Growers’ Association of Southern Africa (CGA) and HORTGRO, played a consistent role in coordinating logistics, market advocacy, and transformation initiatives throughout the observed years.

Table of content

1. Disclaimer
2. Terms of use of the report
3. Product codes in the statistical classifications used in the report
4. Key Market Indicators and Trends
1. 4.1. Key Market Indicators
  1. 4.1.1. In kind
    1. 4.1.1.1. Production, 2018-2023
    2. 4.1.1.2. Imports, 2018-2025
    3. 4.1.1.3. Exports, 2018-2025
    4. 4.1.1.4. Market size, 2018-2023
  2. 4.1.2. In value
    1. 4.1.2.1. Production, 2018-2023
    2. 4.1.2.2. Imports, 2018-2025
    3. 4.1.2.3. Exports, 2018-2025
    4. 4.1.2.4. Market size, 2018-2023
2. 4.2. Market Trends and Factors
5. Production
1. 5.1. Production in South Africa
  1. 5.1.1. Annual dynamics of production in South Africa in kind, 2018-2023, K t
  2. 5.1.2. Annual dynamics of production in South Africa in value, 2018-2023, $ US
2. 5.2. Global production by Country, 2018-2023
  1. 5.2.1. Annual dynamics of production by macroregions in kind, 2018-2023, K t
  2. 5.2.2. Dynamics of production structure by macroregions in kind, 2018-2023
  3. 5.2.3. Annual dynamics of production by country in kind, 2018-2023, K t
  4. 5.2.4. Structure of production by countries in kind, 2018-2023
  5. 5.2.5. Dynamics of peoduction structure by countries in kind, 2018-2023
6. Imports
1. 6.1. Imports (Direct Data)
  1. 6.1.1. Imports - Total information
  2. 6.1.2. Imports in kind, K t
    1. 6.1.2.1. Annual dynamics of product's imports to South Africa in kind, 2018-2025, K t
    2. 6.1.2.2. Dynamics of product's imports in kind to South Africa by countries, 2018-2025, K t
    3. 6.1.2.3. Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2025
  3. 6.1.3. Imports in value, M $ US
    1. 6.1.3.1. Annual dynamics of product's imports to South Africa in value, 2018-2025, M $ US
    2. 6.1.3.2. Dynamics of product's imports in value to South Africa by countries, 2018-2025, M $ US
    3. 6.1.3.3. Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2025
  4. 6.1.4. Average price of product's imports, $ US/t
    1. 6.1.4.1. Annual dynamics of average price of product's imports to South Africa, 2018-2025, $ US/t
    2. 6.1.4.2. Dynamics of average price of product's imports to South Africa by countries, 2018-2025, $ US/t
2. 6.2. Imports (Mirror Data)
  1. 6.2.1. Imports - Total information
  2. 6.2.2. Imports in kind, K t
    1. 6.2.2.1. Annual dynamics of product's imports to South Africa in kind, 2018-2025, K t
    2. 6.2.2.2. Dynamics of product's imports in kind to South Africa by countries, 2018-2025, K t
    3. 6.2.2.3. Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2025
  3. 6.2.3. Imports in value, M $ US
    1. 6.2.3.1. Annual dynamics of product's imports to South Africa in value, 2018-2025, M $ US
    2. 6.2.3.2. Dynamics of product's imports in value to South Africa by countries, 2018-2025, M $ US
    3. 6.2.3.3. Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2025
  4. 6.2.4. Average price of product's imports, $ US/t
    1. 6.2.4.1. Annual dynamics of average price of product's imports to South Africa, 2018-2025, $ US/t
    2. 6.2.4.2. Dynamics of average price of product's imports to South Africa by countries, 2018-2025, $ US/t
7. Exports
1. 7.1. Exports (Direct Data)
  1. 7.1.1. Exports - Total information
  2. 7.1.2. Exports in kind, K t
    1. 7.1.2.1. Annual dynamics of product's exports from South Africa in kind, 2018-2025, K t
    2. 7.1.2.2. Dynamics of product's exports in kind from South Africa by countries, 2018-2025, K t
    3. 7.1.2.3. Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2025
  3. 7.1.3. Exports in value, M $ US
    1. 7.1.3.1. Annual dynamics of product's exports from South Africa in value, 2018-2025, M $ US
    2. 7.1.3.2. Dynamics of product's exports in value from South Africa by countries, 2018-2025, M $ US
    3. 7.1.3.3. Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2025
  4. 7.1.4. Average price of product's exports, $ US/t
    1. 7.1.4.1. Annual dynamics of average price of product's exports from South Africa, 2018-2025, $ US/t
    2. 7.1.4.2. Dynamics of average price of product's exports from South Africa by countries, 2018-2025, $ US/t
2. 7.2. Exports (Mirror Data)
  1. 7.2.1. Exports - Total information
  2. 7.2.2. Exports in kind, K t
    1. 7.2.2.1. Annual dynamics of product's exports from South Africa in kind, 2018-2025, K t
    2. 7.2.2.2. Dynamics of product's exports in kind from South Africa by countries, 2018-2025, K t
    3. 7.2.2.3. Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2025
  3. 7.2.3. Exports in value, M $ US
    1. 7.2.3.1. Annual dynamics of product's exports from South Africa in value, 2018-2025, M $ US
    2. 7.2.3.2. Dynamics of product's exports in value from South Africa by countries, 2018-2025, M $ US
    3. 7.2.3.3. Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2025
  4. 7.2.4. Average price of product's exports, $ US/t
    1. 7.2.4.1. Annual dynamics of average price of product's exports from South Africa, 2018-2025, $ US/t
    2. 7.2.4.2. Dynamics of average price of product's exports from South Africa by countries, 2018-2025, $ US/t
8. Trade balance
1. 8.1. Trade balance (Direct Data)
  1. 8.1.1. In kind, K t
  2. 8.1.2. In value, M $ US
2. 8.2. Trade balance (Mirror Data)
  1. 8.2.1. In kind, K t
  2. 8.2.2. In value, M $ US
9. Top buying and selling countries, 2018-2025
1. 9.1. Direct Data
  1. 9.1.1. Import in Value by Countries-buyers
  2. 9.1.2. Export in Value by Countries-suppliers
2. 9.2. Mirror Data
  1. 9.2.1. Import in Value by Countries-buyers
  2. 9.2.2. Export in Value by Countries-suppliers

Production apple in South Africa

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

South Africa ranked 15th globally in apple production from 2018 to 2021.

Top producers of apple, 2018-2021

Source: SHEV.io

World map of production of apple, 2018-2021

Source: SHEV.io

South Africa's apple production volume grew for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the country produced 1 149 K t of apples, marking a 15.0% increase from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, production rose by 38.5%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in South Africa in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Parameter		2019	2020	2021	CAGR
1	Change from last year	7.9%	11.5%	15.0%	11.5%

Source: SHEV.io

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

South Africa's apple production value increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, apple output was valued at 944.0 M $ US, showing a robust 17.2% gain compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, production value grew by 32.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 9.8%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, at 0.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in South Africa in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Parameter		2019	2020	2021	CAGR
1	Change from last year	0.0%	13.1%	17.2%	9.8%

Source: SHEV.io

Exports apple from South Africa

Exports in kind, K t

South Africa's apple export volume expanded for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports reached 588.7 K t, reflecting a 15.8% increase from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports grew by 31.2%, with a CAGR of 9.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South Africa in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Parameter		2019	2020	2021	CAGR
1	Change from last year	4.6%	8.4%	15.8%	9.5%

Source: SHEV.io

From 2018 to 2021, South Africa's apple exports in kind were widely distributed across partner countries. The United Kingdom (15.8% of exports in kind), Nigeria (7.8%), and Malaysia (7.2%) together accounted for 30.9% of total flows, indicating a diverse export market.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

Source: SHEV.io

World map of product's exports from South Africa in kind, 2018-2021

Source: SHEV.io

Exports in value, M $ US

South Africa's apple export value increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, export volume was recorded at 483.8 M $ US, representing a solid 17.9% gain relative to the prior year. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports grew by 25.6%, with a CAGR of 7.9%. The minimum value was in 2019 at 373.4 M $ US, and the largest decline occurred in 2019 at 3.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South Africa in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Parameter		2019	2020	2021	CAGR
1	Change from last year	(3.1%)	9.9%	17.9%	7.9%

Source: SHEV.io

From 2018 to 2021, the United Kingdom (18.4% of exports in value terms), Malaysia (8.1%), and Nigeria (7.7%) were the largest but not dominant buyers of South African apples, together accounting for 34.2% of total exports in value terms, against a backdrop of numerous smaller partners.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

Source: SHEV.io

World map of product's exports from South Africa in value, 2018-2021

Source: SHEV.io

Imports apple to South Africa

Imports in kind, K t

After a two-year decline, South Africa's apple import volume increased. In 2021, the country imported a total of value_last_year K t of apples, which is 6.0% higher than in 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, imports decreased by 62.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 27.9%. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 0.2 K t, and the largest decline occurred in 2020 at 51.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South Africa in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Parameter		2019	2020	2021	CAGR
1	Change from last year	(26.6%)	(51.9%)	6.0%	(27.9%)

Source: SHEV.io

Throughout 2018-2021, the Netherlands (28.7% of imports in kind), Russia (2.1%), and Kenya (2.0%) formed the core of South Africa's apple imports in kind, together representing 32.8% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

Source: SHEV.io

World map of product's imports to South Africa in kind, 2018-2021

Source: SHEV.io

Imports in value, M $ US

After a two-year reduction, South Africa's apple import value increased. In 2021, import volume stood at 0.2 M $ US, constituting a significant 14.0% year-over-year gain. Between 2018 and 2021, imports decreased by 60.2%, equating to an annualized rate of 26.5%. The minimum value was in 2020 at 0.1 M $ US, and the largest decline occurred in 2020 at 57.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South Africa in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Parameter		2019	2020	2021	CAGR
1	Change from last year	(17.6%)	(57.6%)	14.0%	(26.5%)

Source: SHEV.io

Throughout 2018-2021, the Netherlands (31.1% of imports in value terms), Kenya (2.8%), and Russia (1.7%) formed the core group of markets for South Africa's apple imports in value terms, together accounting for 35.5% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

Source: SHEV.io

World map of product's imports to South Africa in value, 2018-2021

Source: SHEV.io