Liquid eggs market in South Africa

Earlier Report Observations

South Africa's liquid egg production expanded from 38 489 t in 2018 to 50 462 t in 2020. This growth was initially supported by imports addressing shell egg shortages after the 2017 HPAI outbreak, while the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020 shifted consumption from food-service to retail, boosting household demand for liquid eggs. Producers also responded to feed cost pressures by expanding liquid egg processing lines, and mandatory labelling standards under Regulation R345 came into force.

After peaking in 2020, production dipped to 48 051 t in 2021 and fell further to 41 785 t by 2023. The renewal of anti-dumping duties protected domestic manufacturers, while the launch of EggTech's fully automated bottling line in 2023 added large-scale capacity. However, ongoing high avian influenza risk constrained layer-hen numbers, and new draft labelling regulations signaled tighter packaging requirements. The free-range segment grew with the entry of the Free Range Chicken Company, creating a premium niche.

In 2024 and 2025, liquid egg imports surged again to offset persistent shell egg shortages due to HPAI, and manufacturers shifted toward value-added products. The South African Poultry Association continued to coordinate industry responses, and amendments to the Egg Regulations reinforced packaging colour-coding and traceability for liquid egg containers.

Production liquid eggs in South Africa

In kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, South Africa ranked fourth globally in liquid egg production.

Top producers of liquid eggs, 2018-2021

World map of production of liquid eggs, 2018-2021

After two years of growth, South Africa's liquid egg production declined. In 2021, the country produced 48 051 tonnes of liquid eggs, marking a 4.8% decrease from the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production rose by 24.8%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 7.7%. The highest production level was recorded in 2020 at 50 462 tonnes, with the largest year-over-year increase occurring in 2019 at 23.2%.

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

Exports liquid eggs from South Africa

Exports in kind, kg

In 2021, South Africa's foreign liquid egg exports totaled 60 721 kilograms, an 8.7% drop from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports grew by 27.4%, averaging an 8.4% annual increase. The lowest export volume was in 2019 at 45 895 kilograms, while the peak was in 2020 at 66 534 kilograms. The most significant year-over-year rise was in 2020, with a 45.0% increase.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South Africa in kind, 2018-2021, kg

From 2018 to 2021, Lesotho accounted for 84.1% of South Africa's total liquid egg exports by volume, with the remainder distributed among numerous countries, each holding smaller individual shares.

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, $ US

The market showed an unstable trend during this period, with a peak-to-trough amplitude of three times from 2018 to 2020. In 2021, South Africa's liquid egg exports amounted to 37 206 US dollars, a 101.1% surge compared to the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 18 502 US dollars, and the largest decline occurred that same year, with a 47.3% drop.

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

Throughout 2018 to 2021, Lesotho (45.5% of export value), Eswatini (15.1%), and Nigeria (10.8%) were the primary markets for South Africa's liquid egg exports in value terms, collectively representing 71.5% of total export flows.

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 liquid eggs to South Africa

Imports in kind, kg

The data indicates irregular changes, reflecting a volatile market environment. Imports varied by a factor of 94 between the high in 2018 and the low in 2020. In 2021, South Africa's cross-border liquid egg shipments totaled 1 821 kilograms, a sharp increase of 1,579.8% from the previous year. The minimum volume was in 2020 at 108 kilograms, and the largest decline occurred that year, with a 97.9% decrease.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South Africa in kind, 2018-2021, kg

From 2018 to 2021, the Netherlands and Lesotho were the leading sources for South Africa's liquid egg imports by volume, together making up 85.4% of total flows, while the rest was spread across other countries.

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, $ US

The data reveals irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market environment. Imports fluctuated by a factor of 20 from the peak in 2018 to the trough in 2020. In 2021, South Africa imported 11 511 US dollars worth of liquid eggs, up by 452.9% compared to 2020. The lowest value was in 2020 at 2 082 US dollars, and the most significant decline was in 2019, with a 92.1% drop.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, the Netherlands and Special Categories were the key sources for South Africa's liquid egg imports in value terms, jointly accounting for 88.8% of total flows, with other partners contributing much less individually.

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

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