South Africa: Carob Market 2025

Carob Market Size in South Africa

In 2021, after three years of growth, there was significant decline in the South African carob market, when its value decreased by -7% to $X. In general, consumption, however, showed a significant expansion. Carob consumption peaked at $X in 2020, and then contracted in the following year.

Carob Production in South Africa

In value terms, carob production shrank to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production, however, continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 with an increase of 19% against the previous year. As a result, production attained the peak level of $X, and then contracted in the following year.

Carob Exports

Exports from South Africa

In 2021, approx. X tons of carob were exported from South Africa; almost unchanged from 2020. Over the period under review, exports continue to indicate a dramatic slump. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2020 when exports increased by 132%. Over the period under review, the exports reached the maximum at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, carob exports fell markedly to $X in 2021. Overall, exports saw a dramatic curtailment. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2020 with an increase of 630% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

Botswana (X tons) was the main destination for carob exports from South Africa, accounting for a 94% share of total exports. It was followed by Lesotho (X tons), with a 2.2% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to Botswana stood at +15.6%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Lesotho (-35.1% per year) and Taiwan (Chinese) (0.0% per year).

In value terms, Botswana ($X) emerged as the key foreign market for carob exports from South Africa, comprising 77% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Taiwan (Chinese) ($X), with a 15% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to Botswana was relatively modest. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Taiwan (Chinese) (0.0% per year) and Lesotho (-38.6% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the average carob export price amounted to $X per ton, with a decrease of -80.9% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price continues to indicate a abrupt curtailment. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2020 an increase of 215% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the average export prices attained the peak figure at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the export prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major foreign markets. In 2021, the country with the highest price was Taiwan (Chinese) ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Botswana ($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 the Netherlands (+12.9%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Carob Imports

Imports into South Africa

In 2021, the amount of carob imported into South Africa skyrocketed to X tons, picking up by 64% on 2020 figures. Over the period under review, imports posted a prominent expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 when imports increased by 307%. Over the period under review, imports attained the maximum at X tons in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, carob imports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. Overall, imports continue to indicate a remarkable increase. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2013 when imports increased by 217%. Imports peaked at $X in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

Spain (X tons), Italy (X tons) and the Netherlands (X kg) were the main suppliers of carob imports to South Africa, with a combined 91% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were in Italy (with a CAGR of +103.3%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Italy ($X) constituted the largest supplier of carob to South Africa, comprising 67% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Saint Lucia ($X), with a 14% share of total imports. It was followed by the Netherlands, with an 11% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from Italy totaled +56.1%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Saint Lucia (0.0% per year) and the Netherlands (-13.5% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The average carob import price stood at $X per ton in 2021, dropping by -6% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price saw a abrupt downturn. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 an increase of 86% against the previous year. As a result, import price reached the peak level of $X per ton. From 2018 to 2021, the average import prices remained at a lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2021, the country with the highest price was Italy ($X per ton), while the price for Spain ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Australia (+31.6%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced mixed trend patterns.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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