South Africa: Milk Market 2025

Milk Market Size in South Africa

The South African milk market dropped modestly to $X in 2022, stabilizing at the previous year. The market value increased at an average annual rate of X% from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with only minor fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Over the period under review, the market hit record highs at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Milk Production in South Africa

In value terms, milk production declined to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, the total production indicated a remarkable increase from 2012 to 2022: its value 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, production increased by X% against 2020 indices. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 when the production volume increased by X%. As a result, production reached the peak level of $X. From 2014 to 2022, production growth failed to regain momentum.

Milk Exports

Exports from South Africa

After three years of growth, shipments abroad of milk decreased by X% to X tons in 2022. In general, exports showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2020 with an increase of X% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at X tons in 2021, and then dropped in the following year.

In value terms, milk exports shrank to $X in 2022. Overall, exports continue to indicate a slight reduction. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2021 when exports increased by X% against the previous year. The exports peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

Botswana (X tons), Swaziland (X tons) and Namibia (X tons) were the main destinations of milk exports from South Africa, together comprising X% of total exports. Mozambique, Lesotho, Mauritius, Tanzania and Zimbabwe lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for 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 Mauritius (with a CAGR of X%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest markets for milk exported from South Africa were Mozambique ($X), Botswana ($X) and Namibia ($X), with a combined X% share of total exports. Swaziland, Lesotho, Mauritius, Tanzania and Zimbabwe lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further X%.

Mauritius, with a CAGR of X%, recorded the highest growth rate of 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 milk export price stood at $X per ton in 2022, stabilizing at the previous year. In general, the export price saw a mild contraction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 when the average export price increased by X% against the previous year. The export price peaked at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major overseas markets. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Lesotho ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Botswana ($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 (X%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced a decline.

Milk Imports

Imports into South Africa

Milk imports into South Africa declined notably to X tons in 2022, waning by X% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports saw a abrupt descent. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2021 when imports increased by X%. Imports peaked at X tons in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2022, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, milk imports declined sharply to $X in 2022. In general, imports faced a abrupt downturn. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 with an increase of X% against the previous year. Imports peaked at $X in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2022, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2022, Poland (X tons) constituted the largest supplier of milk to South Africa, with a X% share of total imports. Moreover, milk imports from Poland exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, France (X tons), threefold. The third position in this ranking was taken by Lesotho (X tons), with a X% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume from Poland amounted to X%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: France (X% per year) and Lesotho (X% per year).

In value terms, France ($X) constituted the largest supplier of milk to South Africa, comprising X% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Poland ($X), with a X% share of total imports. It was followed by Germany, with a X% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from France stood at X%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Poland (X% per year) and Germany (X% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the average milk import price amounted to $X per ton, jumping by X% against the previous year. Overall, the import price continues to indicate a remarkable increase. As a result, import price reached the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

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 France ($X per ton), while the price for Lesotho ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Zimbabwe (X%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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