Food imports in South Africa
South Africa: Food imports was 4.95 billion constant US$ in 2004. ◆ Volatile
Food imports in South Africa, 1965–2004
Source: World Bank country economists. Measured in constant US$.
Analysis
In 2004, food imports in South Africa stood at 4.95 billion constant US$.
That represents a change of down 1.9% on the previous year and up 577.6% over ten years.
Over the whole period, food imports in South Africa peaked at 5.04 billion constant US$ in 2003 and was at its lowest, 446.39 million constant US$, in 1967.
That places South Africa 1st out of 38 countries with data for 2004, putting it in the top 10%.
The series is highly variable year to year, so single readings are best treated with caution.
Food imports in South Africa, year by year
| Year | constant US$ | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 1965 | 660.93 million constant US$ | — |
| 1966 | 724.92 million constant US$ | +9.7% |
| 1967 | 446.39 million constant US$ | -38.4% |
| 1968 | 678.38 million constant US$ | +52.0% |
| 1969 | 819.76 million constant US$ | +20.8% |
| 1970 | 805.49 million constant US$ | -1.7% |
| 1971 | 727.88 million constant US$ | -9.6% |
| 1972 | 703.99 million constant US$ | -3.3% |
| 1973 | 524.39 million constant US$ | -25.5% |
| 1974 | 504.24 million constant US$ | -3.8% |
| 1975 | 466.82 million constant US$ | -7.4% |
| 1976 | 663.73 million constant US$ | +42.2% |
| 1977 | 653.24 million constant US$ | -1.6% |
| 1978 | 597.66 million constant US$ | -8.5% |
| 1979 | 743.15 million constant US$ | +24.3% |
| 1980 | 643.76 million constant US$ | -13.4% |
| 1981 | 549.55 million constant US$ | -14.6% |
| 1982 | 560.65 million constant US$ | +2.0% |
| 1983 | 621.75 million constant US$ | +10.9% |
| 1984 | 839.46 million constant US$ | +35.0% |
| 1985 | 809.94 million constant US$ | -3.5% |
| 1986 | 1.57 billion constant US$ | +93.7% |
| 1987 | 1.02 billion constant US$ | -35.2% |
| 1988 | 817.61 million constant US$ | -19.6% |
| 1989 | 1.03 billion constant US$ | +26.2% |
| 1990 | 1.26 billion constant US$ | +21.8% |
| 1991 | 1.32 billion constant US$ | +5.1% |
| 1992 | 1.43 billion constant US$ | +8.3% |
| 1993 | 955.46 million constant US$ | -33.3% |
| 1994 | 729.77 million constant US$ | -23.6% |
| 1995 | 878.82 million constant US$ | +20.4% |
| 1996 | 625.41 million constant US$ | -28.8% |
| 1997 | 1.21 billion constant US$ | +94.0% |
| 1998 | 1.13 billion constant US$ | -6.6% |
| 1999 | 1.49 billion constant US$ | +31.5% |
| 2000 | 1.41 billion constant US$ | -5.5% |
| 2001 | 2.01 billion constant US$ | +43.0% |
| 2002 | 2.47 billion constant US$ | +22.5% |
| 2003 | 5.04 billion constant US$ | +104.4% |
| 2004 | 4.95 billion constant US$ | -1.9% |
Averages by decade
| Decade | Average | Lowest | Highest | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1960s | 666.08 million constant US$ | 446.39 million constant US$ | 819.76 million constant US$ | 5 |
| 1970s | 639.06 million constant US$ | 466.82 million constant US$ | 805.49 million constant US$ | 10 |
| 1980s | 846.04 million constant US$ | 549.55 million constant US$ | 1.57 billion constant US$ | 10 |
| 1990s | 1.10 billion constant US$ | 625.41 million constant US$ | 1.49 billion constant US$ | 10 |
| 2000s | 3.17 billion constant US$ | 1.41 billion constant US$ | 5.04 billion constant US$ | 5 |
Countries ranked near South Africa
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Frequently asked questions
- What is food imports in South Africa?
- Food imports in South Africa was 4.95 billion constant US$ in 2004, according to World Bank country economists.
- What is the highest food imports recorded in South Africa?
- The highest recorded value was 5.04 billion constant US$ in 2003.
- What is the lowest food imports recorded in South Africa?
- The lowest recorded value was 446.39 million constant US$ in 1967.
- How does South Africa rank for food imports?
- South Africa ranks 1st out of 38 countries with data for 2004.
- Is food imports rising or falling in South Africa?
- Over the last ten years it is up 577.6%. The long-run trend across the full record is volatile.
- Where does this South Africa data come from?
- The figures come from World Bank country economists, published as part of Food imports (constant US$). Statizoid updates them automatically from the source API.
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About this data
Food imports, cif (includes freight and insurance costs) in 1987 constant US dollars.