Pork market in South Africa

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, South Africa's pork market volume grew consistently from 288 thousand tonnes to 337 thousand tonnes. This expansion was primarily driven by the 2019 foot-and-mouth disease outbreak, which reduced beef availability and increased demand for pork, coupled with a rising consumer preference for affordable protein sources that became pronounced in 2021. Despite pandemic-related challenges, the informal pork sector sustained demand for fresh meat in township areas.

Market volume continued to rise to 365 thousand tonnes in 2022, even as the market value declined to $838 million, influenced by new legislation on the classification and marking of raw processed meat, which introduced additional compliance requirements. By 2023, volume stabilized at 361 thousand tonnes while value recovered to $905 million, partly supported by the South African Pork Producers’ Organisation's industry initiatives and further amendments to meat regulations.

Production pork in South Africa

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Top producers of pork, 2018-2021

World map of production of pork, 2018-2021

South Africa's pork production has grown for the third year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 322.2 thousand tons of pork, marking a modest 9.8% increase from the previous year. 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, K t

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

In 2021, South Africa's pork output was valued at 857.7 million US dollars, a significant 37.9% jump compared to the year before. Over the 2018–2021 span, production value climbed by 31.2%, averaging an annual increase of 9.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 622.0 million US dollars, which saw a decline of 9.3%.

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

Exports pork from South Africa

Exports in kind, t

South Africa exported 10 042 tons of pork in 2021, showing a slight decrease of 2.3% year-over-year. The lowest export volume was in 2019 at 9 789 tons, while the peak was in 2020 with 10 283 tons. The sharpest drop occurred in 2019 at 2.9%, and the largest gain was in 2020 with a 5.1% increase.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Mozambique, Namibia, and Lesotho were the core destinations for South Africa's pork exports in volume terms. Mozambique accounted for 32.2% of exports, Namibia for 29.2%, and Lesotho for 16.1%, together making up 77.5% 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

After two years of decline, South Africa's pork export value rebounded. In 2021, exports totaled 26 734 thousand US dollars, up 22.7% from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, export value grew by 7.6%, averaging a 2.5% annual rate. The lowest point was in 2020 at 21 797 thousand US dollars, which experienced a 9.2% drop.

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

During 2018–2021, Mozambique, Namibia, and Lesotho were the primary buyers of South African pork in value terms. Mozambique represented 31.0% of exports, Namibia 26.2%, and Lesotho 13.2%, collectively accounting for 70.4% 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 pork to South Africa

Imports in kind, t

Following two years of contraction, pork imports into South Africa surged. In 2021, the country imported 24 289 tons of pork, a sharp 51.0% increase from 2020. Over the 2018–2021 period, imports fell by 26%, averaging an annual decrease of 9.5%. The lowest volume was in 2020 at 16 091 tons, which saw a steep 40.6% decline.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Germany, Brazil, and Spain were the main suppliers of pork to South Africa in volume terms. Germany contributed 37.0% of imports, Brazil 22.0%, and Spain 11.0%, together comprising 69.9% of total import volume.

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

After a two-year downturn, South Africa's pork import value increased significantly. In 2021, imports reached 72 298 thousand US dollars, a steep 62.8% rise from the previous year. The lowest value was in 2020 at 44 420 thousand US dollars, which recorded a 28.3% decrease.

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

Throughout 2018–2021, Germany, Brazil, and Spain remained the key sources for South Africa's pork imports in value terms. Germany accounted for 34.0% of imports, Brazil for 22.5%, and Spain for 10.6%, jointly making up 67.1% 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