Primary sugar crops market in South Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for primary sugar crops in South Africa declined from 19.3 million tons in 2018 to 17.2 million tons in 2021. This downward trend was influenced by long-term challenges in production sustainability and a shift in grower demographics. A key driver was the introduction of the South African Sugarcane Value Chain Master Plan in 2020, which addressed a significant reduction in local demand within the Southern African Customs Union, forcing the industry to rely more on exports sold below production cost and contributing to substantial financial losses. Continued government and industry support programmes aimed at maintaining competitiveness could not fully offset these structural pressures, even as the sector showed employment resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Market volume partially recovered to 17.9 million tons in 2022 and stabilized at that level in 2023. This turnaround coincided with a sharp 20.8% increase in the sugar price index during 2023, driven by international factors including large exportable quantities from major producers like Russia and Australia. The higher price environment provided some support to the market, although variable costs for production were also affected by fuel price fluctuations and ongoing transport logistics challenges.

Production primary sugar crops in South Africa

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

South Africa was one of the world's top producers of primary sugar crops from 2018 to 2021, ranking 18th globally by production volume during this period.

Top producers of primary sugar crops, 2018-2021

World map of production of primary sugar crops, 2018-2021

Primary sugar crop production in South Africa declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the country produced 17 199 thousand tons, representing a modest 5.6% decrease from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, overall production fell by 10.9%, which translates to an average annual decline of 3.8%.

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

Exports primary sugar crops from South Africa

Exports in kind, kg

The export market showed significant volatility throughout the period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2021 and peaked in 2020, with a dramatic 38-fold difference between these years. In 2021, South Africa exported 2 315 kilograms of primary sugar crops, marking a sharp 97.4% year-over-year decline. The highest export volume was recorded in 2020 at 88 420 kilograms, following an extraordinary 2,075.1% increase that year.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South Africa in kind, 2018-2021, kg

From 2018 to 2021, Lesotho dominated South Africa's exports of primary sugar crops in volume terms, accounting for 76.4% of total shipments. The remaining exports were distributed among numerous smaller trading partners.

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, $ US

Export values experienced notable fluctuations during this timeframe. The lowest value was recorded in 2019, while the highest occurred in 2020, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 21 times. In 2021, South Africa exported primary sugar crops worth 20 576 US dollars, representing a sharp 77.9% contraction from the previous year. The minimum value was 4 427 US dollars in 2019, while the maximum reached 93 182 US dollars in 2020, following a remarkable 2,004.7% increase that year.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Zimbabwe, Pakistan, and Lesotho were the main buyers of South Africa's primary sugar crops in value terms. Zimbabwe accounted for 26.3% of exports, Pakistan for 26.2%, and Lesotho for 22.2%. Together, these three countries represented 74.6% of South Africa's total export value for these crops.

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 primary sugar crops to South Africa

Imports in kind, kg

Import volumes showed considerable volatility during the observed period. The lowest point was in 2019, while imports peaked in 2021, with a staggering 22 008-fold difference between these years. In 2021, South Africa imported 22 008 kilograms of primary sugar crops, representing an abrupt 83.3% decrease from the previous year.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South Africa in kind, 2018-2021, kg

From 2018 to 2021, South Africa's imports of primary sugar crops in volume terms were highly concentrated, with Germany alone responsible for 94.5% of total imports.

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, $ US

In 2021, South Africa imported primary sugar crops worth 25 993 US dollars, representing a dramatic 1,970.6% year-over-year increase. Over the entire 2018-2021 period, import values grew by 34,841.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 604.3%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Germany dominated South Africa's imports of primary sugar crops in value terms, accounting for 93.6% of total import 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