Extracts and juices of meat, fish and aquatic invertebrates market in SADC

Earlier Report Observations

The market for extracts and juices of meat, fish and aquatic invertebrates in SADC began at 1 575 t in 2018, a level supported by active aquaculture development across member states. Government and community projects focused on farming fish, molluscs, and crustaceans to enhance food security, particularly in drought-prone regions, contributing to local production. Market volume then contracted over the following two years, declining to 1 311 t by 2020.

A rebound to 1 520 t occurred in 2021, though the market softened again to 1 422 t in 2022. During this period, broader industry efforts emphasized sustainable aquaculture expansion and intensification in Africa, including SADC, with a focus on improving fisheries management and value chain efficiency. The market saw a modest stabilization, reaching 1 436 t in 2023.

By 2024, key developments included an 8.6% rise in South African seafood exports, driven by fresh fish and molluscs like cuttlefish and abalone. Companies such as Sea Harvest Group reported strong revenue growth, while aquafeed production expanded to meet nutritional needs for farmed species. Strategic partnerships in processing facilities also enhanced capabilities for handling hake, line fish, molluscs, and crustaceans.

Production extracts and juices of meat, fish and aquatic invertebrates in SADC

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of extracts and juices of meat, fish and aquatic invertebrates, 2017-2020

World map of production of extracts and juices of meat, fish and aquatic invertebrates, 2017-2020

Production of extracts and juices from meat, fish, and aquatic invertebrates in SADC has declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, SADC produced 1 221 tonnes of these products, marking a year-over-year decrease of 5.4%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 27.9%, with an average annual decline of 10.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in SADC in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports extracts and juices of meat, fish and aquatic invertebrates from SADC

Exports in kind, t

The market experienced significant fluctuations during this period. Export volumes reached their lowest point in 2019 at 0.1 tonnes, then peaked in 2018 at 174.8 tonnes, representing a 2 339-fold difference between these years. In 2020, SADC's exports of extracts and juices from meat, fish, and aquatic invertebrates rose to 2.3 tonnes, a dramatic increase of 3 000.7% compared to 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 100.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from SADC in kind, 2017-2020, t

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from SADC in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

The data shows irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market environment. Exports hit their lowest point in 2019 at 22 thousand US dollars, after peaking in 2017, with a 114-fold difference between these years. In 2020, shipments of extracts and juices from meat, fish, and aquatic invertebrates from SADC to abroad reached 22 thousand US dollars, remaining broadly stable compared to the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 98.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from SADC in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the United Arab Emirates and Kenya were the two main destinations for exports in value terms, each accounting for 0.8% of total flows. Together, they represented 1.6% of total exports.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from SADC in value, 2017-2020

Imports extracts and juices of meat, fish and aquatic invertebrates to SADC

Imports in kind, t

Imports of extracts and juices from meat, fish, and aquatic invertebrates into SADC have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports were recorded at 92.2 tonnes, down by 12.8% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 82.6%, equating to an average annual decline of 44.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to SADC in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the country structure of imports in kind was highly diversified. Special Categories accounted for 18.7% of imports, Thailand for 2.7%, and China for 1.4%, together making up 22.9% of total flows. The remaining 77.1% consisted of a long tail of smaller markets.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to SADC in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

The market displayed volatility over the observed period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2019 at 416 thousand US dollars, after peaking in 2017, with a 5.9-fold difference between these years. In 2020, foreign supplies of extracts and juices from meat, fish, and aquatic invertebrates to SADC came to 655 thousand US dollars, up by 57.5% compared with 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2019, at 70.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to SADC in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, Special Categories, Italy, and Thailand were the largest suppliers of extracts and juices from meat, fish, and aquatic invertebrates to SADC in value terms, but they were not dominant. Special Categories accounted for 21.5% of imports, Italy for 1.9%, and Thailand for 1.6%, together representing 25.0% of total imports against a broad background of smaller partners.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to SADC in value, 2017-2020