South Africa: Fig Market 2025

Fig Market Size in South Africa

In 2022, the South African fig market increased by 4.9% to $X, rising for the second consecutive year after two years of decline. Over the period under review, consumption, however, recorded a mild shrinkage. Over the period under review, the market attained the peak level at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Fig Production in South Africa

In value terms, fig production reduced slightly to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. In general, production saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 with an increase of 7.9% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production hit record highs at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, production remained at a lower figure.

In 2022, the average yield of figs in South Africa reduced modestly to X tons per ha, leveling off at 2021 figures. Over the period under review, the yield, however, continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2015 when the yield increased by 1.7%. Over the period under review, the average fig yield hit record highs at X tons per ha in 2019; afterwards, it flattened through to 2022. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

In 2022, approx. X ha of figs were harvested in South Africa; remaining relatively unchanged against the previous year's figure. Over the period under review, the harvested area recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2016 with an increase of 7.1% against the previous year. The fig harvested area peaked at X ha in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, the harvested area remained at a lower figure.

Fig Exports

Exports from South Africa

In 2022, exports of figs from South Africa fell dramatically to X tons, which is down by -39.4% against 2021 figures. In general, exports, however, saw a temperate expansion. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 with an increase of 77% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at X tons in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2022, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, fig exports dropped sharply to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, exports, however, saw a mild increase. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2014 when exports increased by 81%. The exports peaked at $X in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2022, the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

The UK (X tons), Hong Kong SAR (X tons) and Botswana (X tons) were the main destinations of fig exports from South Africa, with a combined 49% share of total exports. The Netherlands, Singapore, Switzerland, Lesotho, Canada and Namibia lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 35%.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main countries of destination, was attained by Singapore (with a CAGR of +119.2%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Hong Kong SAR ($X), the UK ($X) and Singapore ($X) appeared to be the largest markets for fig exported from South Africa worldwide, together comprising 61% of total exports.

Among the main countries of destination, Singapore, with a CAGR of +132.2%, recorded the highest growth rate of 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 fig export price stood at $X per ton in 2022, growing by 9.7% against the previous year. In general, the export price, however, recorded a slight descent. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 when the average export price increased by 29% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the average export prices attained the maximum at $X per ton in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Hong Kong SAR ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Lesotho ($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 (+14.1%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Fig Imports

Imports into South Africa

In 2022, approx. X tons of figs were imported into South Africa; which is down by -56.8% against the year before. Over the period under review, imports showed a abrupt curtailment. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 49% against the previous year. Imports peaked at X tons in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, fig imports reduced markedly to $X in 2022. In general, imports recorded a deep contraction. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 56% against the previous year. Imports peaked at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2022, Turkey (X tons) was the main fig supplier to South Africa, with a 93% share of total imports. Moreover, fig imports from Turkey exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, Afghanistan (X tons), more than tenfold.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume from Turkey totaled -9.4%.

In value terms, Turkey ($X) constituted the largest supplier of figs to South Africa, comprising 94% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Afghanistan ($X), with a 3.9% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value from Turkey amounted to -7.8%.

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the average fig import price amounted to $X per ton, jumping by 33% against the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2022, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.1%. The import price peaked at $X per ton in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2022, import prices remained at a lower figure.

Average prices varied noticeably amongst the major supplying countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Turkey ($X per ton), while the price for Afghanistan amounted to $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Turkey (+1.7%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced mixed trend patterns.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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