Fresh papayas market in South Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh papayas in South Africa saw a gradual contraction in volume from over 19 000 tons in 2018 to approximately 16 500 tons by 2022. This downward trend was influenced by persistent production challenges where growers struggled to balance low prices with high costs, as well as broader inflationary pressures in 2022 that reduced consumer purchasing power for fresh produce. A government inquiry into the fresh produce market launched that same year aimed to address supply chain inefficiencies, adding a layer of uncertainty to market operations.

A sharp decline of 24% brought the market volume down to 12 500 tons in 2023. This drop coincided with the publication of draft Regulations (R3337) proposing stringent front-of-pack warning labels for foodstuffs, a change that affected market practices for fresh produce. Additionally, the final report from the competition inquiry presented recommendations to overhaul the supply chain, which may have contributed to market adjustments and a significant reduction in import volumes during this period.

Subsequent factors continued to shape the market environment, with drought conditions in 2024 leading to supply constraints and a notable 27% year-on-year inflation in papaya prices. Ongoing policy focus into 2025 remained on improving market efficiency and competition through supply chain reforms, reflecting a sustained effort to address structural issues within the fresh produce sector.

Production fresh papayas in South Africa

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of fresh papayas, 2018-2021

World map of production of fresh papayas, 2018-2021

South Africa's fresh papaya production declined for the second year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 9 398 tonnes, marking an 11.0% decrease from 2020. Looking at the period from 2018 to 2021, production fell by 27.2%, with an average annual decline of 10.0%. The highest production level was in 2019 at 13 134 tonnes, which saw a modest increase of 1.7% from the previous year. However, the sharpest drop occurred in 2020, with a 19.6% decline.

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

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In 2021, the value of fresh papaya production in South Africa reached 10 320 thousand US dollars, showing a 7.8% increase compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, production value decreased by 9.7%, with an average annual decline of 3.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 9 574 thousand US dollars, which represented a significant decline of 17.6% from the previous year. The peak value occurred in 2019 at 11 618 thousand US dollars.

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

Exports fresh papayas from South Africa

Exports in kind, t

Fresh papaya exports from South Africa declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the country exported 937 tonnes, a 15.1% drop from 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, exports decreased by 31%, translating to an average annual decline of 11.6%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Botswana, Eswatini, and Namibia were the main destinations for South Africa's fresh papaya exports in volume terms. Botswana accounted for 23.6% of exports, Eswatini for 17.1%, and Namibia for 16.4%. Together, these three countries represented 57.0% of total export volumes.

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

After two years of decline, fresh papaya exports from South Africa in value terms increased in 2021. Exports amounted to 1 029 thousand US dollars, up 2.8% from 2020. However, over the 2018-2021 period, export value decreased by 14.4%, with an average annual decline of 5.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 1 001 thousand US dollars, which saw a 15.8% drop from the previous year.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Botswana, Namibia, and the United Arab Emirates were the primary buyers of South African fresh papayas in value terms. Botswana accounted for 27.3% of export value, Namibia for 17.4%, and the UAE for 14.1%. Collectively, these three markets made up 58.8% of total export value.

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 fresh papayas to South Africa

Imports in kind, t

South Africa imported 8 947 tonnes of fresh papayas in 2021, a 2.8% decrease from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports increased by 16.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 5.2%. The lowest import volume was in 2019 at 7 591 tonnes, while the highest was in 2020 at 9 201 tonnes, which saw a substantial increase of 21.2% from the previous year.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Mozambique dominated South Africa's fresh papaya imports in volume terms, accounting for 99.2% of total imports.

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 fresh papaya imports were valued at 2 132 thousand US dollars, a sharp decline of 17.3% from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, import value increased by 4.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.6%. The lowest value was in 2019 at 2 032 thousand US dollars, while the highest was in 2020 at 2 578 thousand US dollars, which experienced a 26.9% increase from the previous year.

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

Throughout 2018-2021, South Africa's fresh papaya imports in value terms were heavily concentrated on Mozambique, which accounted for 98.7% of total import value.

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

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