Unmanufactured tobacco and refuse market in South Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The market for unmanufactured tobacco in South Africa contracted significantly from 2018 to 2021, with the total volume dropping from 50 240 tons to 22 966 tons. This decline was driven by a sustained reduction in domestic production, which fell from 15 600 tons to 11 500 tons, coupled with a sharp fall in imports from 38 133 tons to 16 759 tons over the same period.

A reversal began in 2022, as the market volume stabilized at 23 450 tons before expanding to 30 253 tons in 2023. This recovery was primarily supported by a resurgence in imports, which rose to 22 555 tons in 2023, even as local production continued its downward trend to 9 514 tons.

Overall, the available market volume in 2023 remained about 40% below its 2018 level, reflecting a substantially smaller supply base for unmanufactured tobacco in the country.

Production unmanufactured tobacco and refuse in South Africa

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of unmanufactured tobacco and refuse, 2018-2021

World map of production of unmanufactured tobacco and refuse, 2018-2021

In 2021, South Africa produced 11 500 tons of unmanufactured tobacco and refuse, marking a 23.8% decrease compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production fell by 26.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.7%. The largest increase occurred in 2020, at 0.7%.

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

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

South Africa's production of unmanufactured tobacco and refuse declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the output was valued at 68.6 million US dollars, representing an 18.2% contraction compared to 2020. From 2018 to 2021, production decreased by 31.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 12.0%.

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

Exports unmanufactured tobacco and refuse from South Africa

Exports in kind, t

Exports of unmanufactured tobacco and refuse from South Africa increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, exports totaled 5 293 tons, showing a slight increase of 2.1% from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports grew by 51.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 14.9%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 3 399 tons, with the largest decline of 2.7% also occurring that year. The largest increase was in 2020, at 52.5%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Nigeria, South Korea, and Georgia were the main destinations for South Africa's unmanufactured tobacco and refuse exports in kind. Nigeria accounted for 19.8% of exports, South Korea for 15.6%, and Georgia for 14.7%, together absorbing 50.1% of total exports.

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 unmanufactured tobacco and refuse in value terms increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, exports amounted to 31.6 million US dollars, representing a 9.7% increase year-over-year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports grew by 40.2%, with an annualized rate of 11.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 21.7 million US dollars, with the largest decline of 3.4% also in that year. The largest increase occurred in 2020, at 32.4%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, exports of unmanufactured tobacco and refuse from South Africa in value terms were widely dispersed across partner countries. South Korea accounted for 18.7% of exports, Nigeria for 14.7%, and Georgia for 10.1%, together representing 43.5% 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 unmanufactured tobacco and refuse to South Africa

Imports in kind, t

Imports of unmanufactured tobacco and refuse into South Africa declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports registered 16 759 tons, marking a gradual decrease of 8.5% from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports decreased by 56.1%, equating to an annualized rate of 24.0%.

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

Throughout 2018 to 2021, Zimbabwe, Brazil, and India formed the core group of markets for imports of unmanufactured tobacco and refuse in kind into South Africa. Zimbabwe accounted for 65.6% of imports, Brazil for 11.2%, and India for 4.5%, together representing 81.3% 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, M $ US

Imports of unmanufactured tobacco and refuse into South Africa in value terms declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports stood at 44.7 million US dollars, representing a 10.1% drop from 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, imports decreased by 67.5%, with an annualized rate of 31.3%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Zimbabwe, Brazil, and Mozambique made the biggest contribution to imports of unmanufactured tobacco and refuse in value terms into South Africa. Zimbabwe accounted for 57.0% of imports, Brazil for 15.9%, and Mozambique for 5.5%, jointly accounting for 78.3% 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