South Africa: Banana Market 2024

Banana Market Size in South Africa

The South African banana market totaled $X in 2022, rising by 3.6% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the total consumption indicated a notable expansion from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +3.5% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, consumption increased by +15.3% against 2020 indices. Over the period under review, the market hit record highs at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Banana Production in South Africa

In value terms, banana production fell to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. Overall, production recorded a slight curtailment. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 36%. Over the period under review, production hit record highs at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

The average yield of bananas in South Africa contracted to X tons per ha in 2022, remaining relatively unchanged against the previous year. The yield figure increased at an average annual rate of +2.0% from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained consistent, with only minor fluctuations being observed throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 with an increase of 8.5%. The banana yield peaked at X tons per ha in 2021, and then declined 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.

The banana harvested area in South Africa fell to X ha in 2022, with a decrease of -3.4% against 2021. In general, the harvested area saw a pronounced reduction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when the harvested area increased by 25%. Over the period under review, the harvested area dedicated to banana production attained the maximum at X ha in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, the harvested area stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Banana Exports

Exports from South Africa

In 2022, the amount of bananas exported from South Africa soared to X tons, growing by 21% compared with the previous year. Over the period under review, total exports indicated a strong expansion from 2012 to 2022: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +7.2% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, exports increased by +25.9% against 2020 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when exports increased by 53%. The exports peaked in 2022 and are expected to retain growth in years to come.

In value terms, banana exports amounted to $X in 2022. In general, exports posted a strong increase. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 with an increase of 38%. The exports peaked at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

Botswana (X tons), Namibia (X tons) and Lesotho (X tons) were the main destinations of banana exports from South Africa, together accounting for 91% of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main countries of destination, was attained by Lesotho (with a CAGR of +22.5%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest markets for banana exported from South Africa were Botswana ($X), Namibia ($X) and Lesotho ($X), with a combined 94% share of total exports.

In terms of the main countries of destination, Lesotho, with a CAGR of +12.4%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

The average banana export price stood at $X per ton in 2022, shrinking by -17.4% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price continues to indicate a slight slump. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 an increase of 23% against the previous year. The export price peaked at $X per ton in 2021, and then contracted markedly in the following year.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major overseas markets. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Namibia ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Swaziland ($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 (+9.4%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced a decline.

Banana Imports

Imports into South Africa

In 2022, the amount of bananas imported into South Africa soared to X tons, jumping by 24% against the year before. In general, imports showed a significant increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 with an increase of 317%. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs in 2022 and are expected to retain growth in years to come.

In value terms, banana imports totaled $X in 2022. Over the period under review, imports posted a significant increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 when imports increased by 315% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports attained the maximum in 2022 and are expected to retain growth in the near future.

Imports by Country

In 2022, Mozambique (X tons) constituted the largest supplier of banana to South Africa, accounting for a 84% share of total imports. Moreover, banana imports from Mozambique exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, Swaziland (X tons), sixfold.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume from Mozambique stood at +54.1%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Swaziland (+27.9% per year) and Seychelles (-55.2% per year).

In value terms, Mozambique ($X) constituted the largest supplier of bananas to South Africa, comprising 81% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Swaziland ($X), with a 13% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from Mozambique amounted to +53.4%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Swaziland (+22.4% per year) and Seychelles (-60.0% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The average banana import price stood at $X per ton in 2022, shrinking by -18% against the previous year. Overall, the import price saw a deep reduction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 an increase of 89%. The import price peaked at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, import prices remained at a lower figure.

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

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Mozambique (-0.5%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced a decline.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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