South Africa: Beef Market 2025

Beef Market Size in South Africa

The South African beef market rose modestly to $X in 2021, with an increase of 4.1% against the previous year. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +3.7% over the period from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. Beef consumption peaked at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Beef Production in South Africa

In value terms, beef production rose slightly to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +5.3% over the period from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 when the production volume increased by 26%. Over the period under review, production attained the maximum level at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

The average yield of beef (cattle meat) in South Africa shrank slightly to X kg per head in 2021, flattening at 2020 figures. Overall, the yield, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 when the yield increased by 11%. As a result, the yield attained the peak level of X kg per head. From 2020 to 2021, the growth of the average beef yield remained at a somewhat lower figure.

In 2021, approx. X heads of animals slaughtered for beef production in South Africa; approximately mirroring 2020. This number increased at an average annual rate of +1.4% over the period from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2013 with an increase of 8.7%. The number of animals slaughtered for beef production peaked at X heads in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2021, producing animals stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Beef Exports

Exports from South Africa

Beef exports from South Africa shrank to X tons in 2021, waning by -11.5% on 2020 figures. Overall, exports, however, recorded strong growth. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2014 with an increase of 68% against the previous year. The exports peaked at X tons in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, beef exports stood at $X in 2021. Over the period under review, exports, however, posted a strong increase. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 when exports increased by 68%. The exports peaked in 2021 and are expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

Exports by Country

China (X tons) was the main destination for beef exports from South Africa, accounting for a 28% share of total exports. Moreover, beef exports to China exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Kuwait (X tons), twofold. The third position in this ranking was held by Jordan (X tons), with a 9.9% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume to China totaled +75.8%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Kuwait (+82.4% per year) and Jordan (+163.4% per year).

In value terms, the largest markets for beef exported from South Africa were China ($X), Kuwait ($X) and Jordan ($X), with a combined 51% share of total exports.

Among the main countries of destination, Jordan, with a CAGR of +158.3%, 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 beef export price stood at $X per ton in 2021, rising by 21% against the previous year. Over the last nine-year period, it increased at an average annual rate of +3.2%. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 an increase of 24% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the average export prices hit record highs in 2021 and is likely to see gradual growth in the immediate term.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major overseas markets. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Qatar ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Namibia ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to China (+17.4%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Beef Imports

Imports into South Africa

In 2021, overseas purchases of beef (cattle meat) were finally on the rise to reach X tons for the first time since 2016, thus ending a four-year declining trend. Overall, imports, however, saw a deep setback. Imports peaked at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, beef imports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, imports, however, recorded a sharp decline. Imports peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

Botswana (X tons), Namibia (X tons) and Australia (X tons) were the main suppliers of beef imports to South Africa, together accounting for 73% of total imports. These countries were followed by Uruguay, the UK and Ireland, which together accounted for a further 25%.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the main suppliers, was attained by the UK (with a CAGR of +12.3%), while imports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest beef suppliers to South Africa were Botswana ($X), Namibia ($X) and Uruguay ($X), together accounting for 75% of total imports. These countries were followed by Australia, the UK and Ireland, which together accounted for a further 22%.

The UK, with a CAGR of +13.3%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of imports, among the main suppliers over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

The average beef import price stood at $X per ton in 2021, surging by 2.2% against the previous year. Overall, the import price, however, saw a pronounced shrinkage. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 an increase of 27% against the previous year. Over the period under review, average import prices hit record highs at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, import prices failed to regain momentum.

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

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Ireland (+1.6%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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