SADC: Molluscs Market 2025

Molluscs Market Size in SADC

In 2021, the SADC molluscs market was finally on the rise to reach $X for the first time since 2014, thus ending a six-year declining trend. Overall, consumption, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. As a result, consumption reached the peak level of $X. From 2015 to 2021, the growth of the market remained at a lower figure.

Molluscs Production in SADC

In value terms, molluscs production amounted to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +1.2% over the period from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern remained consistent, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 with an increase of 21% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production attained the maximum level at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, production failed to regain momentum.

Molluscs Exports

Exports in SADC

In 2021, the amount of molluscs (scallops, mussels, cuttle fish, squid and octopus) exported in SADC totaled X tons, surging by 11% on 2020 figures. Overall, exports saw prominent growth. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2015 when exports increased by 24%. The volume of export peaked in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in the near future.

In value terms, molluscs exports stood at $X in 2021. In general, exports showed prominent growth. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 when exports increased by 28%. Over the period under review, the exports attained the maximum in 2021 and are likely to see steady growth in years to come.

Exports by Country

In 2021, Zimbabwe (X tons) represented the key exporter of molluscs (scallops, mussels, cuttle fish, squid and octopus), making up 79% of total exports. It was distantly followed by South Africa (X tons), creating a 16% share of total exports. Madagascar (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

Zimbabwe was also the fastest-growing in terms of the molluscs (scallops, mussels, cuttle fish, squid and octopus) exports, with a CAGR of +20.0% from 2012 to 2021. At the same time, South Africa (+4.7%) and Madagascar (+3.4%) displayed positive paces of growth. While the share of Zimbabwe (+35 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the total exports from 2012-2021, the share of Madagascar (-3.9 p.p.) and South Africa (-14.3 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics.

In value terms, Zimbabwe ($X) remains the largest molluscs supplier in SADC, comprising 68% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by South Africa ($X), with a 27% share of total exports.

In Zimbabwe, molluscs exports increased at an average annual rate of +20.0% over the period from 2012-2021. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: South Africa (+6.2% per year) and Madagascar (+6.0% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the export price in SADC amounted to $X per ton, with an increase of 2.7% against the previous year. In general, the export price, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2014 an increase of 8.4% against the previous year. The level of export peaked at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major exporting countries. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was South Africa ($X per ton), while Madagascar ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Madagascar (+2.5%).

Molluscs Imports

Imports in SADC

In 2021, the amount of molluscs (scallops, mussels, cuttle fish, squid and octopus) imported in SADC shrank to X tons, declining by -10.2% against the year before. Overall, imports recorded a abrupt downturn. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2016 with an increase of 25% against the previous year. As a result, imports attained the peak of X tons. From 2017 to 2021, the growth of imports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, molluscs imports declined to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, imports saw a abrupt setback. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2016 when imports increased by 46%. As a result, imports attained the peak of $X. From 2017 to 2021, the growth of imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

South Africa prevails in imports structure, recording X tons, which was approx. 88% of total imports in 2021. It was distantly followed by Mauritius (X tons), constituting a 7.2% share of total imports.

South Africa experienced a relatively flat trend pattern with regard to volume of imports of molluscs (scallops, mussels, cuttle fish, squid and octopus). Mauritius (-8.4%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. While the share of South Africa (+36 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the total imports from 2012-2021, the share of Mauritius (-2.2 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics.

In value terms, South Africa ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported molluscs (scallops, mussels, cuttle fish, squid and octopus) in SADC, comprising 84% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Mauritius ($X), with a 9% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value in South Africa totaled +1.2%.

Import Prices by Country

The import price in SADC stood at $X per ton in 2021, declining by -3.7% against the previous year. Overall, the import price recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 an increase of 17% against the previous year. As a result, import price reached the peak level of $X per ton. From 2017 to 2021, the import prices failed to regain momentum.

Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major importing countries. In 2021, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Mauritius ($X per ton), while South Africa totaled $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by South Africa (+1.1%).

Source: IndexBox Platform