South Africa: Plantain Market Overview 2021

Plantain Market Size in South Africa

In 2020, the South African plantain market decreased by -X% to $X, falling for the fifth year in a row after four years of growth. In general, consumption continues to indicate a abrupt decline. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 when the market value increased by X% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the market hit record highs at $X in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2020, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Plantain Production in South Africa

In value terms, plantain production expanded notably to $X in 2020 estimated in export prices. Overall, production posted significant growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 with an increase of X% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production attained the maximum level in 2020 and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

The average yield of plantains in South Africa stood at X kg per ha in 2020, remaining relatively unchanged against 2019 figures. Over the period under review, the yield recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

In 2020, the harvested area of plantains in South Africa was estimated at X ha, approximately reflecting 2019. In general, the harvested area saw a relatively flat trend pattern.

Plantain Exports

Exports from South Africa

In 2020, approx. X tonnes of plantains were exported from South Africa; dropping by -X% against the previous year's figure. Over the period under review, exports saw a noticeable reduction. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 when exports increased by X% y-o-y. Over the period under review, exports attained the peak figure at X tonnes in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2020, exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, plantain exports declined to $X in 2020. In general, exports continue to indicate a perceptible descent. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 when exports increased by X% y-o-y. As a result, exports attained the peak of $X. From 2014 to 2020, the growth exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

Botswana (X tonnes) was the main destination for plantain exports from South Africa, accounting for a X% share of total exports. Moreover, plantain exports to Botswana exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Namibia (X tonnes), twofold.

From 2012 to 2020, the average annual growth rate of volume to Botswana totaled -X%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Namibia (+X% per year) and Lesotho (+X% per year).

In value terms, Botswana ($X) remains the key foreign market for plantain exports from South Africa, comprising X% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was occupied by Namibia ($X), with a X% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2020, the average annual growth rate of value to Botswana totaled -X%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Namibia (-X% per year) and Lesotho (-X% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2020, the average plantain export price amounted to $X per tonne, with a decrease of -X% against the previous year. In general, the export price recorded a slight downturn. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 an increase of X% y-o-y. The export price peaked at $X per tonne in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2020, export prices failed to regain the momentum.

Prices varied noticeably by the country of destination; the country with the highest price was Botswana ($X per tonne), while the average price for exports to Lesotho ($X per tonne) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2020, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Botswana, while the prices for the other major destinations experienced a decline.

Plantain Imports

Imports into South Africa

In 2020, overseas purchases of plantains decreased by -X% to X tonnes, falling for the fifth year in a row after four years of growth. Overall, imports saw a precipitous contraction. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013 with an increase of X% year-to-year. Imports peaked at X tonnes in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2020, imports failed to regain the momentum.

In value terms, plantain imports contracted dramatically to $X in 2020. In general, imports saw a precipitous shrinkage. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2015 when imports increased by X% year-to-year. As a result, imports reached the peak of $X. From 2016 to 2020, the growth imports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

Zimbabwe (X tonnes), Ecuador (X tonnes) and Swaziland (X tonnes) were the main suppliers of plantain imports to South Africa, with a combined X% share of total imports. Ghana lagged somewhat behind, comprising a further X 2012 to 2020, the biggest increases were in Ghana (+X% per year), while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Ecuador ($X) constituted the largest supplier of plantain to South Africa, comprising X% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was occupied by Zimbabwe ($X), with a X% share of total imports. It was followed by Swaziland, with a X% share.

From 2012 to 2020, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from Ecuador stood at +X%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Zimbabwe (+X% per year) and Swaziland (-X% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The average plantain import price stood at $X per tonne in 2020, surging by X% against the previous year. Overall, the import price, however, continues to indicate a abrupt decline. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 an increase of X% y-o-y. Over the period under review, average import prices hit record highs at $X per tonne in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2020, import prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2020, the country with the highest price was Ecuador ($X per tonne), while the price for Zimbabwe ($X per tonne) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2020, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Ecuador, while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced mixed trend patterns.

Source: IndexBox AI Platform

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :

What are the largest markets for plantains in the world?

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The countries with the highest volumes of plantain consumption in 2020 were Democratic Republic of the Congo (5.5M tonnes), Cameroon (5.1M tonnes) and Ghana (5M tonnes), with a combined 36% share of global consumption.

What are the largest producers of plantains in the world?

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The countries with the highest volumes of plantain production in 2020 were Democratic Republic of the Congo (5.5M tonnes), Cameroon (5.1M tonnes) and Ghana (5M tonnes), with a combined 36% share of global production.

What are the leading suppliers of plantains to South Africa?

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In value terms, Ecuador ($952K) constituted the largest supplier of plantain to South Africa, comprising 69% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was occupied by Zimbabwe ($212K), with a 15% share of total imports. It was followed by Swaziland, with a 11% share.

What are the leading importers of plantains from South Africa?

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In value terms, Botswana ($3M) remains the key foreign market for plantain exports from South Africa, comprising 65% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was occupied by Namibia ($1.1M), with a 25% share of total exports.

What is the average export price for plantains in South Africa?

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In 2020, the average plantain export price amounted to $689 per tonne, waning by -6.4% against the previous year.

What is the average import price for plantains in South Africa?

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The average plantain import price stood at $451 per tonne in 2020, rising by 2.7% against the previous year.