South Africa: Sweet Potato Market 2024

Sweet Potato Market Size in South Africa

In 2022, the South African sweet potato market was finally on the rise to reach $X for the first time since 2018, thus ending a three-year declining trend. Over the period under review, the total consumption indicated temperate growth from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of X% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, consumption decreased by X% against 2018 indices. Over the period under review, the market hit record highs at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Sweet Potato Production in South Africa

In value terms, sweet potato production declined modestly to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. In general, production posted resilient growth. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2016 when the production volume increased by X%. Over the period under review, production attained the peak level at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

The average yield of sweet potatoes in South Africa dropped slightly to X tons per ha in 2022, approximately mirroring 2021 figures. In general, the yield recorded a mild descent. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2015 when the yield decreased by X%. Over the period under review, the average sweet potato yield reached the peak level at X tons per ha in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the yield remained at a lower figure. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

In 2022, the sweet potato harvested area in South Africa expanded remarkably to X ha, increasing by X% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the total harvested area indicated a strong expansion from 2012 to 2022: its figure increased at an average annual rate of X% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 when the harvested area increased by X%. The sweet potato harvested area peaked in 2022 and is expected to retain growth in years to come.

Sweet Potato Exports

Exports from South Africa

After three years of growth, overseas shipments of sweet potatoes decreased by less than X% to X tons in 2022. Overall, exports, however, recorded a significant increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 when exports increased by X%. The exports peaked at X tons in 2021, and then contracted modestly in the following year.

In value terms, sweet potato exports contracted to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, exports, however, continue to indicate a significant expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 with an increase of X%. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at $X in 2021, and then dropped in the following year.

Exports by Country

The UK (X tons), the Netherlands (X tons) and Botswana (X tons) were the main destinations of sweet potato exports from South Africa, together accounting for X% of total exports. The United Arab Emirates and Namibia lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further X%.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for the United Arab Emirates (with a CAGR of X%), while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest markets for sweet potato exported from South Africa were the UK ($X), the Netherlands ($X) and the United Arab Emirates ($X), together accounting for X% of total exports.

The United Arab Emirates, with a CAGR of X%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of exports, in terms of the main countries of destination over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

In 2022, the average sweet potato export price amounted to $X per ton, waning by X% against the previous year. Overall, the export price recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2016 when the average export price increased by X% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the average export prices reached the maximum at $X per ton in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major foreign markets. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was the United Arab Emirates ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Botswana ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to the UK (X%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced mixed trend patterns.

Sweet Potato Imports

Imports into South Africa

In 2022, after two years of growth, there was significant decline in overseas purchases of sweet potatoes, when their volume decreased by X% to X tons. Over the period under review, imports, however, saw significant growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when imports increased by X% against the previous year. Imports peaked at X tons in 2021, and then declined markedly in the following year.

In value terms, sweet potato imports reduced remarkably to $X in 2022. In general, imports continue to indicate a deep contraction. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 with an increase of X% against the previous year. Imports peaked at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

In 2022, Malawi (X tons) was the main sweet potato supplier to South Africa, accounting for a X% share of total imports. It was followed by Mozambique (X tons), with a X% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume from Malawi stood at X%.

In value terms, Malawi ($X) constituted the largest supplier of sweet potatoes to South Africa, comprising X% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Mozambique ($X), with a X% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from Malawi totaled X%.

Import Prices by Country

The average sweet potato import price stood at $X per ton in 2022, with a decrease of X% against the previous year. Overall, the import price saw a precipitous decline. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2019 when the average import price increased by X% against the previous year. The import price peaked at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, import prices failed to regain momentum.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Mozambique ($X per ton), while the price for Malawi totaled $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Belgium (X%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced a decline.

Source: IndexBox Platform