Classification
Product TypeProcessed Food
Product FormTomato paste (concentrated, shelf-stable)
Industry PositionProcessed Agricultural Product
Market
Tomato paste in South Africa is supplied through a mix of domestic tomato processing and sizeable imports of HS 200290 (tomatoes prepared/preserved otherwise than by vinegar). UN Comtrade (via WITS) shows South Africa imported US$28.69 million (27.53 million kg) of HS 200290 in 2022, with China the largest supplier by value, alongside Spain, Italy, and Portugal. Domestic tomato-based product manufacturing is supported by integrated supply chains such as Tiger Brands’ contracted tomato sourcing and processing footprint in Musina (Limpopo) and Lutzville (Western Cape), linked to manufacturing in Boksburg (Gauteng). South Africa also exports HS 200290 regionally (e.g., Namibia and Zimbabwe), but at much smaller scale than imports (US$2.29 million; 1.19 million kg in 2023 per UN Comtrade via WITS).
Market RoleDomestic consumption market with local processing plus significant imports; minor regional exporter
Domestic RoleWidely used cooking ingredient for households and foodservice; also an input for tomato-based manufactured foods (e.g., sauces, ready-to-use mixes).
SeasonalityFresh tomato harvest and factory intake are seasonal by region, but tomato paste availability is typically year-round due to industrial processing, storage, and imports. Tiger Brands reports a harvest window between April and August for contracted growers in its Musina-area programme (context: tomato-based products supply chain).
Risks
Energy HighElectricity supply fragility (load shedding risk) can disrupt tomato processing, evaporation concentration, packaging lines, and warehousing operations, creating production stoppages and cost spikes. OECD notes load shedding eased in 2024 but the system remained fragile with load shedding returning in early 2025, implying ongoing operational risk for energy-intensive food manufacturing.Require supplier energy-continuity plans (backup generation/UPS for controls), build safety stock ahead of peak processing periods, and qualify import fallback supply to cover domestic shortfalls.
Logistics MediumPort congestion and terminal operating constraints can delay imports of bulk tomato paste/concentrate and increase demurrage/lead times. Transnet Port Terminals issued a Durban Pier 2 recovery plan and operating guidelines in late 2023 to manage vessel backlogs, highlighting episodic disruption risk.Plan longer lead times for imported paste, use buffer inventory, and contract logistics options that allow port/terminal flexibility during congestion events.
Regulatory Compliance MediumMisclassification or documentation gaps can trigger duty disputes, delays, or penalties because tomato paste subheadings can depend on product parameters (e.g., Brix/Bostwick) and packaging conditions in SARS tariff descriptions, and because pre-packaged foods must comply with R146 labelling rules to be sold in South Africa.Obtain pre-import tariff guidance where needed, keep lab and specification data (Brix/viscosity) aligned to declared tariff lines, and run label compliance checks against R146 before shipment/launch.
Food Safety MediumConcentrated tomato products can amplify residue/contaminant management sensitivity; Codex STAN 57-1981 expects processed tomato concentrates to comply with relevant Codex texts (including residue considerations) and South Africa’s additive framework references Codex GSFA maximum levels and GMP, increasing compliance scrutiny when formulations include additives.Require certificates of analysis and supplier verification programmes (including additive legality/levels), and align specifications to Codex STAN 57-1981 and applicable South African regulations.
Sustainability- Water stewardship risk for processing-tomato supply chains due to irrigation dependence in key producing areas (provincial extension guidance emphasizes irrigation management for tomatoes).
Standards- FSSC 22000 (GFSI-recognised) is used by a major South African food manufacturer for its food manufacturing operations (Tiger Brands disclosure), and may be requested/expected by large buyers.
FAQ
Where does South Africa source most of its imported tomato paste/concentrate (HS 200290)?UN Comtrade data accessed via WITS shows South Africa imported US$28.69 million of HS 200290 in 2022, with China the largest supplier (US$14.94 million), followed by Spain (US$4.61 million), Italy (US$3.67 million), and Portugal (US$3.53 million).
What tariff rate applies to tomato paste under South Africa’s customs tariff schedule?SARS Schedule 1 Part 1 lists a 37% general duty rate for tomato paste under HS 2002.90 subheadings, including bulk tomato paste categories defined by Brix bands and a Bostwick viscosity criterion for product in containers holding 200 L or more. The schedule also shows preferential rates (often listed as free) for certain trade arrangements when origin requirements are met.
Where is a major domestic tomato-based manufacturing supply chain located in South Africa?Tiger Brands reports sourcing tomatoes from contracted growers in Musina (Limpopo) and Lutzville (Western Cape), processing in Musina and Lutzville, and transporting product to an All Gold manufacturing facility in Boksburg (Gauteng) for tomato-based products.