South Africa: Lactose Market 2024

Lactose Market Size in South Africa

For the fourth consecutive year, the South African lactose market recorded growth in sales value, which increased by 26% to $X in 2022. Overall, consumption recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. Lactose consumption peaked in 2022 and is likely to continue growth in years to come.

Lactose Production in South Africa

In value terms, lactose production soared to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production, however, saw a perceptible descent. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 when the production volume increased by 291% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production reached the peak level at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Lactose Exports

Exports from South Africa

After three years of decline, shipments abroad of lactose and lactose syrup increased by 132% to X tons in 2022. In general, exports, however, recorded a abrupt shrinkage. The exports peaked at X tons in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, lactose exports soared to $X in 2022. Overall, exports, however, continue to indicate a abrupt contraction. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 with an increase of 33%. Over the period under review, the exports attained the peak figure at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

Lesotho (X tons) was the main destination for lactose exports from South Africa, with a 63% share of total exports. Moreover, lactose exports to Lesotho exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Swaziland (X tons), sevenfold. The third position in this ranking was held by Namibia (X tons), with a 7.1% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to Lesotho totaled +8.1%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Swaziland (-23.9% per year) and Namibia (-24.1% per year).

In value terms, Lesotho ($X) emerged as the key foreign market for lactose and lactose syrup exports from South Africa, comprising 37% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Namibia ($X), with a 14% share of total exports. It was followed by Zimbabwe, with a 12% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to Lesotho amounted to +7.3%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Namibia (-17.9% per year) and Zimbabwe (-8.2% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The average lactose export price stood at $X per ton in 2022, falling by -48.2% against the previous year. In general, the export price, however, saw a notable expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 when the average export price increased by 49% against the previous year. The export price peaked at $X per ton in 2021, and then plummeted in the following year.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Mozambique ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Lesotho ($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 (+8.2%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Lactose Imports

Imports into South Africa

Lactose imports into South Africa surged to X tons in 2022, with an increase of 35% on the previous year's figure. Overall, imports recorded prominent growth. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2016 when imports increased by 110% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports attained the maximum in 2022 and are expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, lactose imports skyrocketed to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, imports continue to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2016 with an increase of 61% against the previous year. Imports peaked in 2022 and are likely to see steady growth in years to come.

Imports by Country

The United States (X tons), Germany (X tons) and Denmark (X tons) were the main suppliers of lactose imports to South Africa, together accounting for 61% of total imports. Italy, Canada, France, Swaziland, the Netherlands and New Zealand lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 35%.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for Swaziland (with a CAGR of +104.7%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the United States ($X), Germany ($X) and Canada ($X) were the largest lactose suppliers to South Africa, with a combined 68% share of total imports. France, Italy, the Netherlands, Denmark, Swaziland and New Zealand lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 26%.

Swaziland, with a CAGR of +103.7%, recorded 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

In 2022, the average lactose import price amounted to $X per ton, dropping by -5.8% against the previous year. Overall, the import price continues to indicate a drastic downturn. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 an increase of 21% against the previous year. The import price peaked at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, import prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was New Zealand ($X per ton), while the price for Denmark ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by New Zealand (+4.2%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced a decline.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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