South Africa: Banana And Plantain Market 2025

Banana And Plantain Market Size in South Africa

The South African banana and plantain market expanded to $X in 2022, surging by 4.7% against the previous year. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +1.7% over the period from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Over the period under review, the market attained the maximum level at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Banana And Plantain Production in South Africa

In value terms, banana and plantain production reduced to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. In general, production recorded a mild descent. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 when the production volume increased by 34% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production attained the peak level at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, production failed to regain momentum.

The average yield of bananas and plantains in South Africa reduced modestly to X tons per ha in 2022, standing approx. at 2021 figures. The yield figure increased at an average annual rate of +2.0% from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 with an increase of 8.5% against the previous year. The banana and plantain yield peaked at X tons per ha in 2021, and then dropped modestly in the following year. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

In 2022, the harvested area of bananas and plantains in South Africa reduced to X ha, which is down by -3.4% compared with the previous year's figure. Over the period under review, the harvested area saw a noticeable slump. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when the harvested area increased by 25%. The banana and plantain harvested area peaked at X ha in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, the harvested area remained at a lower figure.

Banana And Plantain Exports

Exports from South Africa

In 2022, shipments abroad of bananas and plantains increased by 21% to X tons, rising for the second consecutive year after two years of decline. The total export volume increased at an average annual rate of +4.6% from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when exports increased by 32% against the previous year. The exports peaked in 2022 and are expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, banana and plantain exports fell to $X in 2022. The total export value increased at an average annual rate of +2.3% from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2021 with an increase of 24%. As a result, the exports reached the peak of $X, and then fell in the following year.

Exports by Country

Botswana (X tons) was the main destination for banana and plantain exports from South Africa, with a 56% share of total exports. Moreover, banana and plantain exports to Botswana exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Namibia (X tons), twofold. The third position in this ranking was taken by Lesotho (X tons), with a 14% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to Botswana stood at +5.6%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Namibia (+6.1% per year) and Lesotho (+9.3% per year).

In value terms, Botswana ($X) remains the key foreign market for bananas and plantains exports from South Africa, comprising 60% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Namibia ($X), with a 26% share of total exports. It was followed by Lesotho, with a 9.9% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to Botswana totaled +3.6%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Namibia (+1.0% per year) and Lesotho (+2.1% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The average banana and plantain export price stood at $X per ton in 2022, reducing by -21.9% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price showed a pronounced contraction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 an increase of 22% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the average export prices attained the peak figure at $X per ton in 2021, and then reduced rapidly in the following year.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Botswana ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Swaziland ($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 Swaziland (+8.1%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced a decline.

Banana And Plantain Imports

Imports into South Africa

In 2022, banana and plantain imports into South Africa soared to X tons, jumping by 27% on the year before. In general, imports saw buoyant growth. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2013 when imports increased by 50%. Over the period under review, imports reached the maximum in 2022 and are likely to see gradual growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, banana and plantain imports rose modestly to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, imports enjoyed a resilient expansion. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 when imports increased by 28% against the previous year. Imports peaked in 2022 and are likely to see gradual growth in the immediate term.

Imports by Country

In 2022, Mozambique (X tons) constituted the largest banana and plantain supplier to South Africa, with a 79% share of total imports. Moreover, banana and plantain imports from Mozambique exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, Swaziland (X tons), fivefold. Zimbabwe (X tons) ranked third in terms of total imports with a 3% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume from Mozambique amounted to +11.2%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Swaziland (+19.4% per year) and Zimbabwe (+75.2% per year).

In value terms, Mozambique ($X) constituted the largest supplier of bananas and plantains to South Africa, comprising 77% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Swaziland ($X), with a 16% share of total imports. It was followed by Zimbabwe, with a 1.1% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value from Mozambique stood at +10.0%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Swaziland (+22.3% per year) and Zimbabwe (+63.6% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The average banana and plantain import price stood at $X per ton in 2022, reducing by -18.9% against the previous year. In general, the import price recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2016 when the average import price increased by 41% against the previous year. The import price peaked at $X per ton in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2022, import prices failed to regain momentum.

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

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Swaziland (+2.5%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced a decline.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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