Rye market in South Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The South African rye market volume showed significant growth from 1 509 tons in 2018 to 2 208 tons in 2023, despite annual fluctuations. A sharp increase to 2 167 tons in 2019 was followed by stable volume in 2020, a contraction to 1 884 tons in 2021, and renewed growth to 2 194 tons in 2022 and 2 208 tons in 2023. Domestic production remained steady between 1 945 and 1 979 tons per year, indicating that changes in trade flows contributed to the market's expansion.

Legislative developments in 2025 are introducing changes to the rye sector. The Plant Breeders’ Rights Act of 2018 is set to commence in June 2025, affecting seed certification and varietal registration for rye. New regulations effective from September 2025 establish a National Varietal List and Register of Varieties, with specific labelling and sealing requirements for prepacked seed aligned with UPOV standards, directly impacting market access and compliance.

The flour and grain milling industry in South Africa remains competitive with key players like Premier, Tiger Brands, and AGT Foods Africa, a notable rye supplier. Consumer preferences are shifting towards healthier, natural food options, supporting demand for rye due to its nutritional benefits and suitability for local growing conditions.

Production rye in South Africa

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of rye, 2018-2021

World map of production of rye, 2018-2021

South Africa produced 1,957 tons of rye in 2021, marking a slight increase of 0.6% compared to 2020. Production peaked in 2019 at 1,979 tons, which represented the largest annual increase of 1.7%. The most significant decline occurred in 2020, with production falling by 1.7%.

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

Exports rye from South Africa

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited considerable volatility during this period. Export volumes fluctuated significantly, dropping to a low of 181.4 tons in 2019 and varying by a factor of five from the 2018 high. In 2021, South Africa's rye exports reached 354.7 tons, showing a substantial year-over-year increase of 69.7%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 80.0%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, South Korea dominated the geographical structure of South Africa's rye exports in volume terms, accounting for 92.2% of total 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

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations throughout the period. Export values reached their highest point in 2018 and their lowest in 2019, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 7.5 times. In 2021, South Africa's rye exports totaled 363,000 US dollars, representing a 58.9% gain compared to 2020. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 153,000 US dollars, with the largest decline that year at 86.7%.

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

During 2018–2021, South Korea effectively concentrated South Africa's rye exports in value terms, capturing 95.5% of total 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 rye to South Africa

Imports in kind, t

South Africa imported approximately 282.3 tons of rye in 2021, down 34.2% from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports decreased by 40.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of -15.8%. The largest increase occurred in 2020 at 16.4%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Canada was the dominant source for South Africa's rye imports in volume terms, accounting for 91.2% of total 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

In 2021, South Africa's rye imports reached 142,000 US dollars, indicating a sharp year-over-year decline of 29.7%. Between 2018 and 2021, imports decreased by 31.1%, equating to an annualized rate of -11.7%. The largest increase was recorded in 2020 at 25.4%.

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

During 2018–2021, Canada overwhelmingly dominated South Africa's rye imports in value terms, receiving 90.9% of total 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