Pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat market in South Africa

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2023, the South African pig fat market experienced notable shifts in volume. It grew from 3 238 metric tons in 2018 to a peak of 3 604 metric tons in 2019, then gradually declined to 3 399 metric tons in 2021. A sharp contraction followed in 2022, with the market dropping to 2 374 metric tons, before recovering to 3 095 metric tons in 2023. Domestic production over the same period rose steadily from 699 metric tons to 930 metric tons.

In 2024, imports of pig fat fell sharply to 812 metric tons, a drop of over 60% from the previous year. This decline coincided with the Food Safety Agency's enforcement of stricter quality regulations on meat products, rising production costs, and reduced imports of poultry portions, which collectively tightened supply chains for related meat fats. By 2025, imports rebounded to 1 713 metric tons, supported by persistently high beef prices that increased demand for alternative animal fats, alongside the first confirmed case of foot-and-mouth disease in a commercial piggery in the Free State province, which raised concerns over local production stability.

Production pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat in South Africa

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat, 2018-2021

World map of production of pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat, 2018-2021

South Africa's production of pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat has grown for the third year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 847.9 t, marking a 9.8% increase from 2020. Looking at the period from 2018 to 2021, production rose by 21.4%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 6.7%.

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

Exports pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat from South Africa

Exports in kind, t

The market experienced significant fluctuations during this period. Export volumes varied widely, with a 5.1-fold difference between the peak in 2021 and the low in 2018. In 2021, South Africa exported 283 t of pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat, representing an 82.6% increase from the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2020, at 33.1%, while the biggest jump was in 2019, with a 314.5% rise.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Namibia, Mozambique, and Spain were the key markets for South Africa's exports in kind. Namibia accounted for 57.5% of exports, Mozambique for 16.1%, and Spain for 8.7%, together making up 82.3% 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

The market displayed volatility over the observed years. Export values showed a 6.4-fold variation, with the highest in 2021 and the lowest in 2018. In 2021, South Africa's exports of pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat reached 593 K $ US, a 150.4% gain compared to 2020. The largest drop was in 2020, at 22.8%, while the most significant increase was in 2019, with a 232.6% surge.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Namibia and Mozambique were the primary destinations for South Africa's exports in value terms, jointly accounting for 82.3% of total flows. Other partners held much smaller shares.

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 pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat to South Africa

Imports in kind, t

South Africa's imports of pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat fell for the second consecutive year. In 2021, imports totaled 2 834 t, a slight decrease of 1.3% from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports grew by 9.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.0%. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 3 101 t. The largest decline was in 2020, at 7.4%, while the biggest increase was in 2019, with a 19.5% rise.

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

During 2018-2021, Germany, Spain, and France were the main sources for South Africa's imports in kind. Germany contributed 31.2% of imports, Spain 30.9%, and France 17.7%, together representing 79.7% of total import 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

The data shows irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market environment. Import values peaked in 2020 and hit their lowest point in 2018, with a two-fold difference between these years. In 2021, South Africa imported 2 785 K $ US of pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat, an 8.8% reduction from 2020. The maximum value was in 2020 at 3 053 K $ US, while the largest increase occurred in 2019, with a 94.5% jump.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Spain, Germany, and France remained the leading suppliers of pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat to South Africa in value terms. Spain accounted for 31.0% of imports, Germany for 29.4%, and France for 18.4%, collectively making up 78.8% 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