Non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat market in South Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat in South Africa expanded from 3 249 t in 2018 to a peak of 3 680 t in 2019, then gradually declined to 3 483 t by 2021. This period coincided with rising consumer health consciousness and urbanization, which increased demand for convenient, protein-rich foods and led meat producers to introduce leaner product formulations.

A sharp contraction followed in 2022, with the market volume dropping to 2 402 t, before recovering to 3 142 t in 2023. The rebound aligned with the South African Food-Based Dietary Guidelines recommending low-fat red meat cuts, reinforcing consumer preference for leaner pork options and influencing the pig fat market.

In June 2024, the government launched a nationwide livestock vaccination drive to control foot-and-mouth disease, potentially affecting meat supply chains. By 2025, consumer demand continued to shift toward clean-label, low-fat processed meat products, as seen with Astral Foods' new poultry launches, while input cost fluctuations created margin pressures in the value chain.

Production non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat in South Africa

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat, 2018-2021

World map of production of non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat, 2018-2021

South Africa's production of non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the country produced 847.9 tonnes, marking a moderate rise of 9.8% compared to the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, production grew by 21.4%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 6.7%.

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

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

South Africa's production of non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat has increased for the second consecutive year in value terms. In 2021, the output was valued at 1 309 thousand US dollars, showing a solid gain of 19.3% compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production value rose by 30.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 808 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 19.7%. In contrast, the largest increase occurred in 2020 with a 35.9% rise.

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

Exports non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat from South Africa

Exports in kind, t

The market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Export volumes varied significantly, with a 3.9-fold difference between the low in 2018 and the high in 2021. In 2021, South Africa exported 174 tonnes of non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat, representing a 100.0% increase year-over-year. The largest decline was recorded in 2020 at 44.4%, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 with a 248.3% rise.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Namibia remained the primary destination for exports in kind, accounting for 72.4% of total flows. The remaining share was distributed among various smaller markets.

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

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout this timeframe. Export values showed a 4.1-fold difference, with the low in 2018 and the peak in 2021. In 2021, South Africa's export volume reached 268 thousand US dollars, indicating a sharp rise of 117.2% compared to the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2020 at 28.1%, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 with a 165.7% rise.

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

During 2018–2021, Namibia held the dominant position in exports in value terms, accounting for 75.9% of total flows. The remaining share was split among various smaller 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 non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat to South Africa

Imports in kind, t

South Africa's imports of non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat declined for the second consecutive year in volume terms. In 2021, the country imported 2 809 tonnes, reflecting a slight drop of 2.1% compared to 2020. From 2018 to 2021, imports increased by 8.3%, equating to an annualized rate of 2.7%. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 3 101 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 19.5%. The largest decline occurred in 2020 with a 7.4% decrease.

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

Over the period from 2018 to 2021, Germany, Spain, and France stood out as the main markets for imports in kind. Germany accounted for 31.3% of imports, Spain for 30.9%, and France for 17.7%, together representing 79.9% of total flows.

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

There were noticeable fluctuations in market performance during this period. Import values varied by a 2-fold difference, with the low in 2018 and the high in 2020. In 2021, cross-border shipments stood at 2 760 thousand US dollars, down by 9.6% compared to the previous year. The highest value was recorded in 2020 at 3 053 thousand US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 with a 94.5% rise.

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

Throughout 2018–2021, Spain, Germany, and France remained the main markets for imports in value terms of non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat to South Africa. Spain accounted for 31.1% of imports, Germany for 29.5%, and France for 18.4%, jointly taking 79.0% of total flows.

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

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