Raw cane or beet sugar in solid form market in South Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for raw cane sugar in South Africa fluctuated significantly from 2018 to 2023, starting at 1.96 million tonnes in 2018 before dropping to 1.70 million tonnes in 2019. This decline was primarily driven by a sharp rise in exports, as the Health Promotion Levy (HPL) implemented in 2017 continued to reduce local sugar demand, freeing more production for overseas sales. The return to normal sugarcane cultivation after several years of drought also supported higher output, further boosting export volumes.

Market volume recovered to 1.95 million tonnes by 2022, aided by the industry's strategic diversification into sugarcane by-products like bagasse for bio-energy and sustainable aviation fuel, which diverted cane away from traditional sugar exports. Government adjustments to import tariffs helped protect local supply, while the 2022 launch of the sugarcane-based energy drink 'Shesha' by growers' associations created a new domestic consumption stream, supporting market stability.

In 2023, volume fell to 1.82 million tonnes as exports increased amid global supply chain disruptions and variable weather affecting cultivation. The industry's ongoing focus on converting cane fibers into bio-products and reimagining its strategy continued to influence market dynamics through the period.

Production raw cane or beet sugar in solid form in South Africa

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, South Africa ranked 27th globally in the production volume of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form.

Top producers of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form, 2018-2021

World map of production of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form, 2018-2021

South Africa's production of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form declined for the second consecutive year. In 2021, the country produced 1 906 K t, marking a 9.5% decrease from the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production fell by 15.6%, which translates to an annualized rate of 5.5%. The peak was recorded in 2019 at 2 295 K t, with the largest increase of 1.6% also occurring that year.

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

Exports raw cane or beet sugar in solid form from South Africa

Exports in kind, K t

South Africa's exports of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form declined for the second consecutive year. In 2021, exports totaled 346.7 K t, showing a sharp drop of 48.4% compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports decreased by 46.3%, equating to an annualized rate of 18.7%. The highest level was in 2019 at 972.6 K t, with the largest increase of 50.7% also recorded that year.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the main destinations for South Africa's exports in kind were Malaysia, accounting for 35.4% of exports, China at 9.4%, and the United Kingdom at 7.9%. Together, these three countries represented 52.7% 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, M $ US

South Africa's exports of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form in value terms declined for the second consecutive year. In 2021, exports amounted to 162.0 M $ US, which is 31.0% lower than the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports decreased by 18.5%, with an annualized rate of 6.6%. The peak value was in 2019 at 296.2 M $ US, and the largest increase of 48.9% also occurred that year.

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

From 2018 to 2021, South Africa's exports in value terms of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form were spread across various markets. Malaysia was the top destination with 30.4% of exports, followed by the United Kingdom and the United States, each at 7.9%. Combined, these three countries accounted for 46.1% of total export flows.

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 raw cane or beet sugar in solid form to South Africa

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, South Africa's imports of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form declined. In 2021, imports stood at 369.2 K t, which is 4.2% lower than the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports increased by 7.6%, with an annualized rate of 2.5%. The highest volume was recorded in 2020 at 385.3 K t, and the largest increase of 9.1% occurred in 2019.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Eswatini accounted for 89.6% of South Africa's total imports in kind, with the remaining flows distributed among a broad group of smaller countries.

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, M $ US

South Africa's imports of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form in value terms increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports reached 258.1 M $ US, reflecting a modest rise of 9.3% from the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports grew by 24.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.5%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Eswatini remained the overwhelmingly dominant supplier of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form to South Africa, accounting for 92.6% of total imports in value terms.

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

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