South Africa: Cassava Market 2025

Cassava Market Size in South Africa

The South African cassava market reduced to $X in 2022, falling by -5.5% against the previous year. Overall, the total consumption indicated a strong expansion from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +6.1% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, consumption decreased by -17.0% against 2020 indices. As a result, consumption attained the peak level of $X. From 2021 to 2022, the growth of the market failed to regain momentum.

Cassava Production in South Africa

In value terms, cassava production rose rapidly to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +4.4% from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2020 with an increase of 25%. As a result, production reached the peak level of $X. From 2021 to 2022, production growth remained at a somewhat lower figure.

In 2022, the average cassava yield in South Africa was estimated at less than X kg per ha, almost unchanged from the previous year. In general, the yield saw a relatively flat trend pattern. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

In 2022, approx. less than X ha of cassava were harvested in South Africa; stabilizing at 2021. Over the period under review, the harvested area continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern.

Cassava Exports

Exports from South Africa

In 2022, the amount of cassava exported from South Africa contracted slightly to X tons, leveling off at the previous year's figure. In general, exports saw a deep reduction. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2019 with an increase of 321% against the previous year. The exports peaked at X tons in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, cassava exports surged to $X in 2022. Overall, exports, however, saw a mild expansion. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2019 when exports increased by 254% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs in 2022 and are likely to see gradual growth in years to come.

Exports by Country

The United Arab Emirates (X tons) was the main destination for cassava exports from South Africa, with a 91% share of total exports. Moreover, cassava exports to the United Arab Emirates exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Namibia (X tons), more than tenfold.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to the United Arab Emirates was relatively modest. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Namibia (-17.0% per year) and Botswana (-40.0% per year).

In value terms, the United Arab Emirates ($X) emerged as the key foreign market for cassava exports from South Africa, comprising 92% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Namibia ($X), with a 5% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value to the United Arab Emirates was relatively modest. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Namibia (-9.6% per year) and Botswana (-34.7% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The average cassava export price stood at $X per ton in 2022, with an increase of 49% against the previous year. Overall, the export price recorded a strong increase. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2020 when the average export price increased by 107%. The export price peaked in 2022 and is expected to retain growth in the near future.

Average prices varied somewhat for the major export markets. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Botswana ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Namibia ($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 Namibia (+9.0%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced mixed trend patterns.

Cassava Imports

Imports into South Africa

In 2022, overseas purchases of cassava decreased by -42.7% to X tons for the first time since 2019, thus ending a two-year rising trend. Over the period under review, imports, however, continue to indicate a resilient increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 when imports increased by 249% against the previous year. Imports peaked at X tons in 2021, and then contracted sharply in the following year.

In value terms, cassava imports surged to $X in 2022. In general, imports saw a deep slump. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2015 with an increase of 338% against the previous year. Imports peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2022, Malawi (X tons) constituted the largest cassava supplier to South Africa, with a 47% share of total imports. Moreover, cassava imports from Malawi exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, Ghana (X tons), twofold. Mozambique (X tons) ranked third in terms of total imports with a 14% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume from Malawi stood at +69.7%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Ghana (+3.1% per year) and Mozambique (+51.9% per year).

In value terms, the largest cassava suppliers to South Africa were Malawi ($X), Cote d'Ivoire ($X) and Ghana ($X), together comprising 81% of total imports.

Malawi, with a CAGR of +63.9%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, in terms of 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 cassava import price stood at $X per ton in 2022, jumping by 199% against the previous year. In general, the import price, however, continues to indicate a drastic downturn. The import price peaked at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 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 Cote d'Ivoire ($X per ton), while the price for Zambia ($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 (+5.5%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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