South Africa: Market for Lucerne (Alfalfa) Meal And Pellets 2025

Market Size for Lucerne (Alfalfa) Meal And Pellets in South Africa

The South African lucerne meal and pellets market contracted modestly to $X in 2021, waning by -3.9% against the previous year. In general, consumption saw a pronounced decrease. Over the period under review, the market reached the maximum level at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Production of Lucerne (Alfalfa) Meal And Pellets in South Africa

In value terms, lucerne meal and pellets production reached $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Overall, the total production indicated moderate growth from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +4.4% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, production decreased by -11.0% against 2019 indices. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2015 with an increase of 60%. Over the period under review, production attained the maximum level at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, production remained at a lower figure.

Exports of Lucerne (Alfalfa) Meal And Pellets

Exports from South Africa

In 2021, lucerne meal and pellets exports from South Africa surged to X tons, rising by 38% on 2020. Overall, exports posted a significant increase. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2015 with an increase of 134%. Over the period under review, the exports reached the peak figure at X tons in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, lucerne meal and pellets exports soared to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, exports continue to indicate a significant increase. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2015 with an increase of 146%. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs in 2021 and are expected to retain growth in the near future.

Exports by Country

Saudi Arabia (X tons), the United Arab Emirates (X tons) and China (X tons) were the main destinations of lucerne meal and pellets exports from South Africa, with a combined 86% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main countries of destination, was attained by China (with a CAGR of +158.2%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest markets for lucerne meal and pellets exported from South Africa were Saudi Arabia ($X), the United Arab Emirates ($X) and China ($X), together accounting for 90% of total exports.

China, with a CAGR of +172.6%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, in terms of the main countries of destination over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

The average lucerne meal and pellets export price stood at $X per ton in 2021, rising by 15% against the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2021, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.8%. As a result, the export price reached the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major export markets. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Saudi Arabia ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Botswana ($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 China (+5.7%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Imports of Lucerne (Alfalfa) Meal And Pellets

Imports into South Africa

In 2021, the amount of lucerne (alfalfa) meal and pellets imported into South Africa expanded significantly to X tons, picking up by 8.7% compared with the year before. In general, imports continue to indicate a resilient expansion. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2016 when imports increased by 69%. Over the period under review, imports reached the peak figure at X tons in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, lucerne meal and pellets imports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. Overall, imports recorded resilient growth. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2016 with an increase of 47% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports reached the peak figure at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

In 2021, Namibia (X tons) was the main lucerne meal and pellets supplier to South Africa, with a approx. 100% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume from Namibia totaled +7.0%.

In value terms, Namibia ($X) constituted the largest supplier of lucerne (alfalfa) meal and pellets to South Africa.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from Namibia totaled +8.0%.

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the average lucerne meal and pellets import price amounted to $X per ton, picking up by 29% against the previous year. In general, the import price recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. As a result, import price attained the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

As there is only one major supplying country, the average price level is determined by prices for Namibia.

From 2012 to 2021, the rate of growth in terms of prices for Namibia amounted to +0.9% per year.

Source: IndexBox Platform

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :