Millet market in South Africa

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2023, the millet market volume in South Africa showed considerable variation, primarily driven by changes in import levels. The market grew to 14 050 t in 2019, dipped slightly to 13 847 t in 2020, then surged to a peak of 15 529 t in 2021. This was followed by a decline to 14 158 t in 2022 and a further drop to 12 051 t in 2023. Domestic production remained steady around 6 330 t annually, meaning import fluctuations largely determined overall market size.

In 2024, a 24.2% increase in maize producer prices due to tighter supplies and a stronger exchange rate likely made millet imports more competitive, contributing to a rise in import volumes to 8 043 t. Concurrently, shifting consumer preferences towards diversified and niche agricultural products supported demand for millet. However, rising input costs such as electricity and poor infrastructure posed challenges for the grain processing sector.

By 2025, a large domestic maize crop led to declining maize prices, which may have reduced the relative attractiveness of millet and contributed to lower imports of 6 401 t. The trend of millers operating closer to farmers helped reduce transport costs, benefiting smaller producers. Continued policy uncertainty and climate factors like drought and heat stress also influenced agricultural market conditions, affecting millet trade dynamics.

Production millet in South Africa

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of millet, 2018-2021

World map of production of millet, 2018-2021

South Africa's millet production in 2021 reached 6 330 tonnes, showing no significant change from the previous year. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 6 346 tonnes, which represented a 0.4% increase. In 2020, production saw its largest decline of 0.3%.

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

Exports millet from South Africa

Exports in kind, t

The export market for millet from South Africa showed an unstable trend during the period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2018 and peaked in 2019 at 1 258 tonnes, creating a 3.8-fold difference between these years. In 2021, South Africa exported 563 tonnes of millet, marking a modest 4.5% decrease from 2020. The largest decline occurred in 2020 at 53.2%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 276.4%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Namibia, Canada, and Italy were the principal destinations for South Africa's millet exports in kind. Namibia accounted for 57.5% of exports, Canada for 20.8%, and Italy for 6.1%. Together, these three countries represented 84.4% 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

Millet exports from South Africa increased for the second consecutive year in 2021, reaching 626 thousand US dollars, which corresponds to a 54.1% year-over-year gain. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports grew by 12.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 367 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 33.9%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Namibia, Kenya, and Canada continued to be the leading buyers of South African millet in value terms. Namibia accounted for 26.3% of exports, Kenya for 16.3%, and Canada for 15.9%. Collectively, these three markets represented 58.4% 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 millet to South Africa

Imports in kind, t

South Africa imported millet totaling {value_last_year} tonnes in 2021, representing a 20.4% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports grew by 42.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 12.5%. The largest decline occurred in 2020 at 9.5%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 30.8%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Ukraine and Russia were the dominant sources for South Africa's millet imports in kind, jointly accounting for 80.7% of total import flows, with the remaining share going to other markets.

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

Millet imports into South Africa showed noticeable fluctuations during the period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2018 and peaked in 2019 at 3 762 thousand US dollars, creating a 1.9-fold difference between these years. In 2021, imports were recorded at 3 231 thousand US dollars, equivalent to a 9.7% increase from 2020. The largest decline occurred in 2020 at 21.7%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 93.3%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Ukraine, India, and Russia together accounted for 84.8% of South Africa's millet imports in value terms. Ukraine represented 50.5% of imports, India 18.1%, and Russia 16.1%. These countries remained the main sources for millet imports to South Africa.

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

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