Tallow market in South Africa

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2023, the South African tallow market experienced fluctuations in volume, starting at 65 229 t in 2018 and ending at 60 546 t in 2023. The market saw a moderate decline in 2020, followed by a partial recovery in 2022 before another decrease in 2023. Throughout this period, the market value told a different story, rising consistently from 2021 onwards after initial declines, reaching 50 667 тыс. долл. США in 2023.

In 2022, the market volume increased to 64 107 t, supported by evolving consumer preferences. A growing interest in natural, grass-fed, and organic tallow products, driven by health, sustainability, and clean beauty trends, likely stimulated demand. Furthermore, the rising popularity of keto and carnivore diets, which emphasize nutrient-rich fats like tallow, provided additional momentum for the market during that year.

The market's value demonstrated robust growth from 2021, increasing by over 50% by 2023 despite volatile physical volumes. This suggests a shift towards higher-value tallow products or changing price structures, aligning with the consumer trend for premium, health-focused offerings that emerged clearly in the latter part of the period.

Production tallow in South Africa

In kind, 2018-2021, t

South Africa ranked 16th globally in tallow production between 2018 and 2021.

Top producers of tallow, 2018-2021

World map of production of tallow, 2018-2021

South Africa's tallow production declined for the second year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 66,500 tonnes of tallow, which was 0.6% lower than in 2020. Production peaked in 2019 at 68,100 tonnes. The largest decrease occurred in 2020, with a drop of 1.8%, while the biggest increase was in 2019, at 0.9%.

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

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

After two years of decline, tallow production in South Africa rebounded. In 2021, the output was valued at $42,531,000, marking a significant increase of 21.7% compared to 2020. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at $34,948,000. The largest decline happened in 2019, with an 11.4% drop.

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

Exports tallow from South Africa

Exports in kind, t

South Africa exported 5,151 tonnes of tallow in 2021, showing a modest decrease of 9.2% year-on-year. From 2018 to 2021, exports grew by 31.7%, averaging an annualized rate of 9.6%. The highest volume was in 2020 at 5,673 tonnes. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a jump of 45.1%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Mozambique and Zimbabwe together accounted for 90.6% of South Africa's total tallow exports by volume, with other countries making up a diverse but smaller portion.

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

South Africa exported $3,294,000 worth of tallow in 2021, representing a strong increase of 11.2% compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports rose by 35.6%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 10.7%. The largest decline was in 2020, with a 4.3% drop, while the biggest increase was in 2019, at 27.4%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Mozambique and Zimbabwe consistently made up 89.0% of South Africa's total tallow exports by value, showing a high level of concentration, with a range of smaller markets accounting for the remainder.

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 tallow to South Africa

Imports in kind, t

The market showed volatility during these years. Import volumes reached their highest point in 2019 and their lowest in 2021, with a 5.1-fold difference between the peak and trough. In 2021, South Africa imported 633 tonnes of tallow, a sharp decline of 35.3% from 2020. The maximum volume was in 2019 at 3,251 tonnes. The largest decrease occurred in 2020, with a 69.9% drop, while the biggest increase was in 2019, at 98.2%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Namibia and Botswana were the leading sources for South Africa's tallow imports by volume, together accounting for 95.0% of total imports, with the rest spread across other destinations.

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

The data shows irregular fluctuations, pointing to a volatile market. Import values peaked in 2019 and fell to their lowest in 2021, with a 3.8-fold gap. In 2021, South Africa imported $440,000 worth of tallow, marking an 11.0% decrease from 2020. The highest value was in 2019 at $1,685,000. The largest decline was in 2020, with a 70.6% drop, while the biggest increase was in 2019, at 63.0%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Namibia was the dominant source for South Africa's tallow imports by value, holding a 73.5% share of total imports, with the remainder distributed among other trading partners.

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

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