South Africa: Market for Wheat and Meslin Flour 2024

Market Size for Wheat and Meslin Flour in South Africa

The South African wheat and meslin flour market was estimated at $X in 2022, approximately equating the previous year. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +1.3% over the period from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations in certain years. Over the period under review, the market hit record highs at $X in 2020; afterwards, it flattened through to 2022.

Production of Wheat and Meslin Flour in South Africa

In value terms, wheat and meslin flour production amounted to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. In general, production saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 when the production volume increased by 20%. Over the period under review, production attained the maximum level at $X in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, production failed to regain momentum.

Exports of Wheat and Meslin Flour

Exports from South Africa

Wheat and meslin flour exports from South Africa rose sharply to X tons in 2022, with an increase of 9.6% on the year before. In general, exports, however, continue to indicate a abrupt descent. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 when exports increased by 64%. The exports peaked at X tons in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, wheat and meslin flour exports skyrocketed to $X in 2022. Overall, exports, however, saw a abrupt contraction. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2020 with an increase of 70% against the previous year. The exports peaked at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

Zimbabwe (X tons), Lesotho (X tons) and Swaziland (X tons) were the main destinations of wheat and meslin flour exports from South Africa, together comprising 93% of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main countries of destination, was attained by Lesotho (with a CAGR of +5.5%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trend patterns.

In value terms, the largest markets for wheat and meslin flour exported from South Africa were Zimbabwe ($X), Lesotho ($X) and Swaziland ($X), together accounting for 93% of total exports.

Lesotho, with a CAGR of +6.2%, 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, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

The average wheat and meslin flour export price stood at $X per ton in 2022, with an increase of 9.2% against the previous year. Over the last decade, it increased at an average annual rate of +2.2%. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2019 when the average export price increased by 18%. The export price peaked in 2022 and is likely to continue growth in the near future.

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 Zimbabwe ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Zambia ($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 Swaziland (+6.2%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Imports of Wheat and Meslin Flour

Imports into South Africa

After two years of decline, overseas purchases of wheat and meslin flour increased by 5.3% to X tons in 2022. Over the period under review, imports enjoyed strong growth. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 with an increase of 102% against the previous year. Imports peaked at X tons in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, wheat and meslin flour imports skyrocketed to $X in 2022. In general, total imports indicated a buoyant increase from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +6.8% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2014 when imports increased by 81% against the previous year. As a result, imports attained the peak of $X. From 2015 to 2022, the growth of imports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2022, Lesotho (X tons) constituted the largest wheat and meslin flour supplier to South Africa, with a 87% share of total imports. Moreover, wheat and meslin flour imports from Lesotho exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, Italy (X tons), more than tenfold. India (X tons) ranked third in terms of total imports with a 2.7% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume from Lesotho amounted to +16.3%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Italy (+16.9% per year) and India (-9.7% per year).

In value terms, Lesotho ($X) constituted the largest supplier of wheat and meslin flour to South Africa, comprising 82% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Italy ($X), with an 8.1% share of total imports. It was followed by India, with a 3.6% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value from Lesotho totaled +10.8%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Italy (+12.2% per year) and India (-6.4% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the average wheat and meslin flour import price amounted to $X per ton, increasing by 12% against the previous year. Overall, the import price, however, recorded a pronounced decline. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 when the average import price increased by 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.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was the UK ($X per ton), while the price for Lesotho ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the UK (+10.4%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced mixed trend patterns.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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