Sunflower or safflower oil and fractions market in South Africa

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the market volume for sunflower and safflower oils in South Africa expanded from 385.8 thousand tons to 485.5 thousand tons. This growth was supported by the entry of new, chemically-free processed sunflower oil products using patented technology, which helped stimulate demand. Additionally, imports remained high during this period, facilitated by tariff-free access from SADC countries, offsetting some volatility in domestic production.

A sharp contraction to 314.5 thousand tons occurred in 2021, primarily driven by severe global supply chain disruptions and soaring international prices following the Eastern European conflict, which drastically reduced the availability and affordability of imported oil. The market partially recovered to 379.4 thousand tons in 2022 as import flows resumed. By 2023, volume stabilized at 369.7 thousand tons, with the global market heavily influenced by the dominant export positions of Ukraine and Russia, affecting supply conditions and local crushing activity.

Throughout the period, structural developments included partnerships to support emerging farmers in cultivating high-oil-content sunflower seeds, aiming to enhance long-term domestic supply. The regulatory landscape evolved with the new Plant Improvement Act coming into force in December 2025, introducing updated seed quality and labeling standards, though its direct impact on oil volumes during the review years was limited.

Production sunflower or safflower oil and fractions in South Africa

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

South Africa ranked 14th globally in sunflower or safflower oil and fractions production from 2018 to 2021.

Top producers of sunflower or safflower oil and fractions, 2018-2021

World map of production of sunflower or safflower oil and fractions, 2018-2021

South Africa's production of sunflower or safflower oil and fractions grew for the second year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 299.6 K t, up 5.3% from the previous year. The lowest production was in 2019 at 218.7 K t, which saw the largest decline of 26.2%. The biggest increase occurred in 2020, with a 30.1% rise.

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

Exports sunflower or safflower oil and fractions from South Africa

Exports in kind, K t

South Africa's exports of sunflower or safflower oil and fractions fell for the second consecutive year. In 2021, exports totaled 54.9 K t, a significant 10.9% drop year-over-year. From 2018 to 2021, exports decreased by 8.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of -3.0%. The highest export volume was in 2019 at 63.7 K t, which also saw the largest increase of 5.9%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Botswana, Namibia, and Mozambique were consistently the top destinations for South Africa's exports in kind. Botswana accounted for 34.2% of exports, Namibia for 33.1%, and Mozambique for 11.1%, together making up 78.4% 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

In 2021, the value of sunflower or safflower oil and fractions exported from South Africa reached 92.1 M $ US, a dramatic 30.2% increase compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, exports grew by 30%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 9.1%. The lowest value was in 2020 at 70.7 M $ US, which experienced the largest decline of 0.3%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Botswana, Namibia, and Lesotho were the main markets for South Africa's exports in value terms. Botswana represented 34.6% of export value, Namibia 34.3%, and Lesotho 10.9%, collectively accounting for 79.9% 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 sunflower or safflower oil and fractions to South Africa

Imports in kind, K t

Import volumes showed significant volatility during this period. The lowest volume was in 2021 at 69.8 K t, a dramatic 73.4% fall year-over-year, while the highest was in 2020 at 262.7 K t, resulting in a peak-to-trough ratio of 3.8 times. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a 64.6% rise.

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

Throughout 2018 to 2021, Bulgaria, Romania, and Argentina were the key partners for South Africa's imports in kind of sunflower or safflower oil and fractions. Bulgaria supplied 47.9% of imports, Romania 22.9%, and Argentina 8.6%, together representing 79.4% 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, M $ US

South Africa's imports of sunflower or safflower oil and fractions in value terms declined for the second year in a row. In 2021, imports totaled 90.3 M $ US, a steep 44.9% drop from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports decreased by 22.5%, equating to an annualized rate of -8.1%. The highest value was in 2019 at 173.7 M $ US, which also saw the largest increase of 49.1%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Bulgaria, Romania, and Argentina continued to be the main suppliers of sunflower or safflower oil and fractions to South Africa in value terms. Bulgaria accounted for 52.8% of import value, Romania for 18.2%, and Argentina for 7.7%, jointly forming 78.7% of total imports.

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

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