South Africa: Meat Market 2025

Meat Market Size in South Africa

The South African meat market contracted slightly to $X in 2022, remaining relatively unchanged against the previous year. The market value increased at an average annual rate of X% from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained consistent, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being observed throughout the analyzed period. Over the period under review, the market reached the peak level at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Meat Production in South Africa

In value terms, meat production dropped modestly to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of X% from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 when the production volume increased by X%. Over the period under review, production hit record highs at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, production remained at a lower figure.

The average yield of meat in South Africa dropped modestly to X kg per head in 2022, with a decrease of X% against the previous year. The yield figure increased at an average annual rate of X% over the period from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained consistent, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being observed throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 when the yield increased by X%. As a result, the yield attained the peak level of X kg per head. From 2020 to 2022, the growth of the average meat yield remained at a somewhat lower figure.

In 2022, approx. X heads of animals slaughtered for meat production in South Africa; remaining stable against the previous year. In general, the number of producing animals continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2020 with an increase of X%. Over the period under review, this number reached the peak level at X heads in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2022, producing animals stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Meat Exports

Exports from South Africa

Meat exports from South Africa fell to X tons in 2022, dropping by X% against the previous year's figure. Over the period under review, total exports indicated a remarkable increase from 2012 to 2022: its volume increased at an average annual rate of X% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, exports decreased by X% against 2020 indices. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2014 when exports increased by X% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports attained the maximum at X tons in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2022, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, meat exports shrank to $X in 2022. In general, exports, however, posted a resilient increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 with an increase of X% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at $X in 2021, and then shrank in the following year.

Exports by Country

Mozambique (X tons), Kuwait (X tons) and Qatar (X tons) were the main destinations of meat exports from South Africa, with a combined X% share of total exports. The United Arab Emirates, Lesotho, Jordan, Namibia, China, the Netherlands, Zimbabwe, Egypt, Canada and Swaziland lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further X%.

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

In value terms, Qatar ($X), Kuwait ($X) and the United Arab Emirates ($X) were the largest markets for meat exported from South Africa worldwide, with a combined X% share of total exports. Mozambique, Jordan, Lesotho, China, Egypt, Namibia, Zimbabwe, the Netherlands, Canada and Swaziland lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further X%.

In terms of the main countries of destination, Jordan, with a CAGR of X%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to 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

In 2022, the average meat export price amounted to $X per ton, growing by X% against the previous year. Over the last decade, it increased at an average annual rate of X%. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2021 when the average export price increased by X% against the previous year. The export price peaked in 2022 and is likely to see gradual growth in the immediate term.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major foreign markets. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Qatar ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Namibia ($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 China (X%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Meat Imports

Imports into South Africa

In 2022, the amount of meat imported into South Africa shrank notably to X tons, reducing by X% on the previous year's figure. In general, imports faced a deep slump. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 with an increase of X%. Over the period under review, imports attained the peak figure at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, meat imports fell significantly to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, imports faced a deep slump. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2021 with an increase of X%. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

Brazil (X tons), the UK (X tons) and Spain (X tons) were the main suppliers of meat imports to South Africa, with a combined X% share of total imports.

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

In value terms, Brazil ($X) constituted the largest supplier of meat to South Africa, comprising X% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Spain ($X), with a X% share of total imports. It was followed by the UK, with an X% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value from Brazil amounted to X%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Spain (X% per year) and the UK (X% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the average meat import price amounted to $X per ton, reducing by X% against the previous year. Overall, the import price continues to indicate a pronounced shrinkage. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 when the average import price increased by X%. The import price peaked at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, import prices failed to regain momentum.

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 ($X per ton), while the price for the UK ($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 (X%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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