South Africa: Sugar Beet Market 2025

Sugar Beet Market Size in South Africa

In 2022, the South African sugar beet market was finally on the rise to reach $X after two years of decline. Over the period under review, consumption continues to indicate slight growth. Sugar beet consumption peaked at $X in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2022, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Sugar Beet Production in South Africa

In value terms, sugar beet production shrank modestly to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, the total production indicated modest growth from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +1.9% 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 +5.2% against 2020 indices. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2016 with an increase of 55%. As a result, production reached the peak level of $X. From 2017 to 2022, production growth remained at a lower figure.

The average yield of sugar beet in South Africa was estimated at less than X kg per ha in 2022, therefore, remained relatively stable against the previous year's figure. In general, the yield recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

In 2022, the total area harvested in terms of sugar beet production in South Africa stood at less than X ha, therefore, remained relatively stable against the previous year's figure. Overall, the harvested area recorded a relatively flat trend pattern.

Sugar Beet Exports

Exports from South Africa

In 2022, after three years of growth, there was significant decline in shipments abroad of sugar beet, when their volume decreased by 99.9% to X kg. Overall, exports recorded a significant decrease. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 with an increase of 11,941%. As a result, the exports attained the peak of X tons, and then declined dramatically in the following year.

In value terms, sugar beet exports dropped markedly to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, exports continue to indicate a precipitous slump. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 with an increase of 5,700% against the previous year. As a result, the exports attained the peak of $X, and then dropped markedly in the following year.

Exports by Country

The United States (X kg) and Zimbabwe (X kg) were the main destinations of sugar beet exports from South Africa.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for the United States (with a CAGR of 0.0%).

In value terms, Zimbabwe ($X) and the United States ($X) were the largest markets for sugar beet exported from South Africa worldwide.

The United States, with a CAGR of 0.0%, recorded 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.

Export Prices by Country

In 2022, the average sugar beet export price amounted to $X per ton, with an increase of 29% against the previous year. In general, the export price, however, showed a noticeable decline. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 an increase of 69%. The export price peaked at $X per ton in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2022, the export prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major external markets. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Zimbabwe ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to the United States totaled $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Lesotho (+25.6%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced mixed trend patterns.

Sugar Beet Imports

Imports into South Africa

In 2022, approx. X kg of sugar beet were imported into South Africa; shrinking by -97.8% compared with the year before. Overall, imports saw a sharp descent. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2021 with an increase of 2,179% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports reached the peak figure at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, sugar beet imports reduced dramatically to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, imports faced a precipitous setback. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2021 with an increase of 1,108%. Over the period under review, imports attained the peak figure at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2022, Sudan (X kg) was the main sugar beet supplier to South Africa, with a approx. 99% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume from Sudan was relatively modest.

In value terms, Sudan ($X) constituted the largest supplier of sugar beet to South Africa.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value from Sudan was relatively modest.

Import Prices by Country

The average sugar beet import price stood at $X per ton in 2022, reducing by -1.7% against the previous year. In general, the import price, however, posted resilient growth. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 when the average import price increased by 379% against the previous year. Over the period under review, average import prices hit record highs at $X per ton in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, import prices remained at a lower figure.

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

From 2012 to 2022, the rate of growth in terms of prices for Namibia amounted to +79.3% per year.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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