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The South African potato industry is a key player in the country’s agricultural sector, contributing significantly to food security, job creation, and economic growth. South Africa produces enough potatoes for local consumption, making it a net exporter of 6% of its fresh and seed potatoes.
South Africa exports a variety of fresh, frozen, and processed potato products to international markets. Potatoes SA monitors the export and import of potato products including fresh and seed potatoes, as well as processed and preserved potatoes.
South African export market
Last year, South Africa exported 135 688 996 kg of fresh potatoes, the main destination being African countries. This represents an increase of 4,6% from the previous year. The main exporting destination for South African fresh potatoes last year was Mozambique, which had a market share of 64% of South African fresh potato exports, followed by Namibia with a 17% market share, Lesotho on 7%, and Eswatini also on 7%.
South Africa is also a net exporter of seed potatoes, exporting most of its certified seed to the African market, which includes Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Botswana, Namibia, and Eswatini. South Africa exported 23 741 152 kg of potato seed in 2024.
South Africa exported 9 074 289 kg of processed potatoes including chips, French fries, and wedges last year. Botswana and Namibia were the top markets for South African chips. Eswatini was the other country making up the top three export destinations.
Imports
While South Africa is largely self-sufficient in terms of potato production, there are imports coming into the country, such as frozen French fries. Since the South African Revenue Services (SARS) imposed anti-dumping duties on Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany, South Africa has seen a significant decrease in these imports. Last year, a total of 10 221 479 kg of French fries were imported to South Africa. This represents a 76% decrease from 2023, and a 65% decrease from 2022 when there was a lapse in the previous anti-dumping duties imposed on Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany (Figure 4). Belgium remains the biggest exporter of frozen chips or French fries to South Africa despite anti-dumping duties of 67,33% imposed on the country.
Last year, a total of 15% of the hectares planted to potatoes in South Africa were planted for processing potatoes. The potato processing industry in South Africa is growing, with anti-dumping duties assisting in supporting the local economy and producers. South Africa. This represents a 76% decrease from 2023, and a 65% decrease from 2022 when there was a lapse in the previous anti-dumping duties imposed on Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany (Figure 4). Belgium remains the biggest exporter of frozen chips or French fries to South Africa despite anti-dumping duties of 67,33% imposed on the country. – Sheila Makgato, Potatoes SA
For more information, send an email to sheila@potatoes.co.za.