Bananas market in South Africa

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2023, the South African banana market experienced significant fluctuations in volume, ranging from 459.6 thousand tons in 2020 to a peak of 698.3 thousand tons in 2022. The market value followed a similar but not identical pattern, reaching 307.9 million USD in 2022. The initial decline in volume from 582.8 thousand tons in 2018 to 559.3 thousand tons in 2019 coincided with reported decreases in subtropical fruit production due to climatic and market factors, as well as changes in preferential trade agreements affecting dried banana imports. The sharp drop to 459.6 thousand tons in 2020 occurred amid stable household consumption patterns, suggesting supply-side constraints. A recovery to 504.0 thousand tons in 2021 was followed by a surge in 2022, driven by increased domestic production and imports. In 2023, the market volume contracted to 592.8 thousand tons while average prices for horticultural products like bananas rose due to supply and demand dynamics.

Climatic conditions persistently affected banana output, with cooler temperatures impacting tropical growing zones. Macroeconomic factors such as the depreciation of the rand and rising input costs influenced prices and consumption. By 2024, production of subtropical fruits including bananas was reported to be declining, contributing to tighter supply. Market dynamics in 2025 were shaped by evolving consumer preferences towards healthy and sustainable foods, along with logistical and distribution challenges between urban and regional markets.

Production bananas in South Africa

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Top producers of bananas, 2018-2021

World map of production of bananas, 2018-2021

South Africa's banana production rebounded in 2021 after two consecutive years of decline. The country produced 351.6 thousand tonnes of bananas, marking a modest 8.9% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, production decreased by 21%, with a compound annual growth rate of -7.5%. The lowest production volume was recorded in 2020 at 322.9 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 22.4%.

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

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

In 2021, South Africa's banana output was valued at 227.3 million US dollars, representing a solid 12.7% year-on-year increase. The minimum value occurred in 2020 at 201.6 million US dollars, while the maximum was recorded in 2019 at 245.3 million US dollars. The largest decline of 17.8% took place in 2020.

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

Exports bananas from South Africa

Exports in kind, K t

In 2021, South Africa exported 10.2 thousand tonnes of bananas, showing a slight 2.0% increase from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports decreased by 9.6%, equivalent to an annualized rate of -3.3%. The minimum volume was recorded in 2020 at 10.0 thousand tonnes, while the maximum occurred in 2019 at 12.5 thousand tonnes. The largest decline of 19.9% happened in 2020, whereas the largest increase of 10.7% was seen in 2019.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Botswana, Namibia, and Lesotho dominated South Africa's banana exports in volume terms. Botswana accounted for 39.5% of exports, Namibia for 33.1%, and Lesotho for 11.2%. Together, these three countries represented 83.8% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

South Africa exported 6 579 thousand US dollars worth of bananas in 2021, which was 5.6% higher than in 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports increased by 14.9%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 4.7%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 7 346 thousand US dollars. The largest decline of 15.2% occurred in 2020, while the largest increase of 28.2% was seen in 2019.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Botswana and Namibia were the leading markets for South Africa's banana exports in value terms. Together, they accounted for 80.1% of total export flows, with the remaining share distributed among other destinations.

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

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

Imports bananas to South Africa

Imports in kind, K t

South Africa imported approximately 162.6 thousand tonnes of bananas in 2021, showing a solid 10.9% year-on-year rise. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports increased by 9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.9%. The minimum volume was recorded in 2020 at 146.6 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 5.8%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Mozambique was the primary source for South Africa's banana imports in volume terms, accounting for 75.0% of total flows. Other markets contributed smaller shares, forming a long tail of trading partners.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2021, South Africa's banana imports totaled 49 469 thousand US dollars, equivalent to a 21.9% gain over the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports increased by 25.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.9%. The largest decline of 5.1% was recorded in 2020.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Mozambique absorbed 71.0% of the total value of banana imports to South Africa. The remaining 29.0% was spread across a wide range of smaller destinations.

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

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