Albumin imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $11.8 million of albumin in 2024 (1.2 thousand tonnes). That is 68% more than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $11.8M | 1.2K t |
| 2023 | $7.0M | 742 t |
| 2022 | $11.6M | 981 t |
| 2021 | $12.2M | 1.6K t |
| 2020 | $6.1M | 1.4K t |
| 2019 | $7.9M | 1.4K t |
| 2018 | $8.5M | 1.6K t |
| 2017 | $10.2M | 3.8K t |
Where South Africa imports albumin from
The largest suppliers were United States (49%), Netherlands (15%), Ireland (14%). Among the main suppliers, Netherlands grew fastest (+179% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $5.7M | 49% |
| Netherlands | $1.7M | 15% |
| Ireland | $1.7M | 14% |
| France | $823K | 7% |
| Denmark | $368K | 3.1% |
| Italy | $357K | 3% |
| Germany | $306K | 2.6% |
| United Kingdom | $291K | 2.5% |
| India | $124K | 1.1% |
| Poland | $120K | 1% |
Product types under HS 3502
| 3502.20 | Albumins: milk albumin, including concentrates of two or more whey proteins | 87% |
| 3502.11 | Albumins: egg albumin, dried | 12% |
| 3502.90 | Albumins, albuminates and other albumin derivatives: other than egg or milk albumin, including concentrates of two or more whey proteins | 1% |
| 3502.19 | Albumins: egg albumin, not dried | 0.3% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 3502.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $10.21 per kg, 22% above the world average of $8.38. This usually points to higher-grade or processed goods.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Albumin exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $276 thousand of albumin in 2024 (90 tonnes). One buyer market dominates: Zimbabwe accounted for 59% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, Kenya grew fastest (+297% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $164K | 59% |
| Kenya | $44K | 16% |
| United States | $36K | 13% |
| Colombia | $10K | 3.7% |
| Madagascar | $8K | 2.7% |
| Mozambique | $4K | 1.4% |
| Namibia | $3K | 1.2% |
| Botswana | $3K | 1.2% |
| Malawi | $2K | 0.5% |
| Mauritius | $1K | 0.2% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
Public statistics stop at country totals and the last published year. EximDataX shows the shipment records underneath: the companies, dates, quantities and declared values, updated weekly.
Shipment records are in the platform
Tell us what you trade and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
Mirror data: built from the shipment records of the countries that trade with it.
Updated weekly on EximDataX (some markets daily), while public statistics stop at 2024.
Source: CEPII BACI (reconciled UN Comtrade data), HS 2017 edition, release 202601, Etalab Open Licence 2.0. Annual values in US dollars at the customs border; quantities in tonnes where reported. HS 3502: Albumins (including concentrates of two or more whey proteins, containing by weight more than 80% whey proteins, calculated on the dry matter), albuminates and other albumin derivatives.
Common questions
What is the value of albumin imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported albumin worth $11.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.2 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 40th of 179 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 68% on 2023.
Which countries supply albumin to South Africa?
The United States was the largest supplier with 49% of the value ($5.7 million), followed by the Netherlands (15%) and Ireland (14%). The top three together account for 78%, out of 20 supplier countries in total. The Netherlands grew fastest among the top ten, up 179% on the year.
What is the average import price of albumin per kg?
The average declared import value was about $10.21 per kg in 2024, 22% above the world average of $8.38 per kg. It is total declared value divided by total weight, so it blends every grade and size; use it as a benchmark, not a quote. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
How have imports of albumin to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $10.2 million in 2017 to $11.8 million in 2024, an increase of 16%. The peak was 2021 at $12.2 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export albumin?
Yes. South Africa exported $276 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zimbabwe, Kenya and the United States. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $11.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for albumin?
The HS code for albumin is heading 3502. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 3502.20 (87% of the value) and 3502.11 (12%). It sits in HS chapter 35 (albuminoidal substances; modified starches; glues; enzymes). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3502 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
Public statistics stop at country totals. EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, updated weekly, so you can see the companies that ship to and from it. Tell us your product and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
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