Not in shell eggs and egg yolks market in South Africa

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, South Africa's market for not in shell eggs and egg yolks grew consistently, driven primarily by production expansion. This growth was a direct response to the high egg prices that followed the 2017 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak, which had caused a national shortage and led to significant culling. Producers increased bird numbers to capitalize on the favorable prices, pushing production and total market volume to a peak in 2020.

From 2021 onward, the market entered a period of decline and stabilization. The initial surge in egg demand in 2021, linked to COVID-19 infections, was followed by broader market pressures. Sharp increases in layer feed prices, influenced by a weaker rand and global inflation, raised production costs. Furthermore, global HPAI outbreaks in key regions kept international prices for dried egg products high, affecting the cost environment. These factors contributed to a gradual reduction in domestic production and overall market volume through 2023.

Throughout this period, the industry landscape evolved with new regulatory and consumer trends. The draft Labelling Regulations (R.3337), published for comment in 2023, signaled upcoming changes to packaging and consumer information requirements. Consumer preference for products like free-range, organic, and omega-3 enriched eggs, along with the growing availability of frozen and liquid egg products, indicated a shift in market segments. However, these structural changes occurred alongside the primary challenges of disease management and input cost inflation that defined the market's volume trajectory.

Production not in shell eggs and egg yolks in South Africa

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Between 2018 and 2021, South Africa ranked as the world's 9th largest producer of not in shell eggs and egg yolks.

Top producers of not in shell eggs and egg yolks, 2018-2021

World map of production of not in shell eggs and egg yolks, 2018-2021

After two years of growth, production of not in shell eggs and egg yolks in South Africa declined. In 2021, the country produced 48 697 tonnes, marking a year-over-year contraction of 4.8%. Over the 2018-2021 period, production increased by 24.8%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 7.7%. The highest production level was recorded in 2020 at 51 141 tonnes, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2019 with a 23.2% rise.

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

Exports not in shell eggs and egg yolks from South Africa

Exports in kind, t

South Africa's exports of not in shell eggs and egg yolks declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the country exported 62.1 tonnes, representing a 19.3% decrease compared to the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, exports fell by 84%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -45.7%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Mozambique and Lesotho dominated South Africa's exports of not in shell eggs and egg yolks, jointly accounting for 93.7% of total export volumes. Other countries held significantly smaller shares during this period.

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 performance showed noticeable fluctuations over the observed period. South Africa exported 48 000 US dollars worth of not in shell eggs and egg yolks in 2021, reflecting a 53.2% increase from the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 31 000 US dollars, with the largest decline of 83.8% occurring that same year. Between 2018 and 2020, there was a 29-fold variation from the peak in 2018 to the low in 2020.

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

During 2018-2021, Mozambique was the key buyer of not in shell eggs and egg yolks from South Africa, accounting for 84.1% of total export value. The remaining share was distributed among a diverse group of other countries.

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 not in shell eggs and egg yolks to South Africa

Imports in kind, t

The market displayed volatility over the observed period. In 2021, South Africa imported 788.9 tonnes of not in shell eggs and egg yolks, showing a sharp increase of 72.7% compared to the previous year. The minimum volume was recorded in 2020 at 456.8 tonnes, with the largest decline of 39.1% occurring in 2019. Import volumes peaked in 2018 and reached their lowest point in 2020, resulting in a two-fold difference between these years.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the Netherlands (33.7% of import volume), Denmark (23.5%), and Italy (16.9%) were the main sources for not in shell eggs and egg yolks imported into South Africa, together accounting for 74.1% of total import volumes.

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

Market behavior was characterized by volatility during these years. In 2021, South Africa imported approximately 4 653 000 US dollars worth of not in shell eggs and egg yolks, representing a substantial 78.8% increase from the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 2 602 000 US dollars, with the largest decline of 49.8% occurring in 2019. Import values peaked in 2018 and fell to their lowest point in 2020, showing a 2.4-fold swing between these years.

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

Over the 2018-2021 period, the Netherlands (33.0% of import value), Denmark (22.6%), and Argentina (15.3%) remained the leading sources in South Africa's import structure for not in shell eggs and egg yolks, with a combined share of 70.9% 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