SADC: Tallow Market 2025

Tallow Market Size in SADC

The SADC tallow market shrank modestly to $X in 2022, waning by -2.3% against the previous year. In general, consumption continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The level of consumption peaked at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Tallow Production in SADC

In value terms, tallow production reduced to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. Overall, production recorded a slight decrease. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when the production volume increased by 61% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production reached the maximum level at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, production remained at a lower figure.

Tallow Exports

Exports in SADC

In 2022, exports of tallow in SADC fell markedly to X tons, declining by -34.4% compared with the previous year. Over the period under review, exports, however, enjoyed buoyant growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 with an increase of 94%. Over the period under review, the exports reached the peak figure at X tons in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, tallow exports declined significantly to $X in 2022. Overall, exports, however, continue to indicate a remarkable increase. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 when exports increased by 89% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports reached the maximum at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

South Africa prevails in exports structure, recording X tons, which was near 90% of total exports in 2022. It was distantly followed by Namibia (X tons), constituting a 7% share of total exports. Botswana (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

South Africa was also the fastest-growing in terms of the tallow exports, with a CAGR of +20.8% from 2012 to 2022. Namibia (-6.5%) and Botswana (-6.6%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. From 2012 to 2022, the share of South Africa increased by +50 percentage points.

In value terms, South Africa ($X) remains the largest tallow supplier in SADC, comprising 90% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Namibia ($X), with an 8.2% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value in South Africa totaled +17.7%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Namibia (-2.0% per year) and Botswana (-7.0% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2022, the export price in SADC amounted to $X per ton, surging by 18% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 an increase of 30%. Over the period under review, the export prices attained the peak figure in 2022 and is expected to retain growth in years to come.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Namibia ($X per ton), while Botswana ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Namibia (+4.8%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the export price figures.

Tallow Imports

Imports in SADC

In 2022, overseas purchases of tallow decreased by -18% to X tons, falling for the fifth year in a row after two years of growth. In general, imports showed a pronounced decrease. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when imports increased by 64%. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, tallow imports fell sharply to $X in 2022. Overall, imports saw a noticeable decrease. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 81% against the previous year. The level of import peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2022, South Africa (X tons) represented the largest importer of tallow, mixing up 64% of total imports. Mozambique (X tons) ranks second in terms of the total imports with a 19% share, followed by Madagascar (7.5%). The following importers - Swaziland (X tons) and Zimbabwe (X tons) - each recorded a 6.1% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, average annual rates of growth with regard to tallow imports into South Africa stood at -4.7%. At the same time, Mozambique (+49.1%), Swaziland (+11.6%) and Zimbabwe (+5.3%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Mozambique emerged as the fastest-growing importer imported in SADC, with a CAGR of +49.1% from 2012-2022. By contrast, Madagascar (-8.9%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. While the share of Mozambique (+18 p.p.), Swaziland (+2.4 p.p.) and Zimbabwe (+1.6 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the total imports from 2012-2022, the share of Madagascar (-7 p.p.) and South Africa (-15 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics.

In value terms, South Africa ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported tallow in SADC, comprising 66% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Mozambique ($X), with a 13% share of total imports. It was followed by Madagascar, with a 7.7% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in South Africa totaled -4.9%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Mozambique (+37.8% per year) and Madagascar (-9.4% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the import price in SADC amounted to $X per ton, reducing by -3.3% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 an increase of 53%. Over the period under review, import prices attained the peak figure at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, import prices remained at a lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Zimbabwe ($X per ton), while Mozambique ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Zimbabwe (+2.8%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform