Alginic acid and alginate salts imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $4.1 million of alginic acid and alginate salts in 2024 (348 tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 174% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 9% a year on average.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
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Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $4.1M | 348 t |
| 2023 | $1.5M | 99 t |
| 2022 | $4.5M | 291 t |
| 2021 | $2.6M | 249 t |
| 2020 | $4.1M | 330 t |
| 2019 | $3.0M | 241 t |
| 2018 | $1.7M | 178 t |
| 2017 | $2.2M | 177 t |
Where South Africa imports alginic acid and alginate salts from
Most of the value came from Japan (42%), Norway (21%), Spain (17%). Among the main suppliers, Spain grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | $1.7M | 42% |
| Norway | $871K | 21% |
| Spain | $695K | 17% |
| China | $339K | 8.3% |
| Egypt | $162K | 4% |
| Belgium | $115K | 2.8% |
| France | $112K | 2.7% |
| India | $23K | 0.6% |
| Italy | $17K | 0.4% |
| United Kingdom | $16K | 0.4% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $11.71 per kg, close to the world average of $13.09.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Alginic acid and alginate salts exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $1.3 million of alginic acid and alginate salts in 2024 (89 tonnes). Most of it went to Angola (49%), United Kingdom (12%), Kenya (11%). Among the main buyer markets, Angola grew fastest (+323% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Angola | $634K | 49% |
| United Kingdom | $152K | 12% |
| Kenya | $136K | 11% |
| Israel | $134K | 10% |
| Namibia | $74K | 5.7% |
| Zambia | $47K | 3.6% |
| Czech Republic | $45K | 3.5% |
| China | $31K | 2.4% |
| Zimbabwe | $25K | 2% |
| Malawi | $5K | 0.4% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa alginic acid and alginate salts imports (HS 3913.10): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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Mirror data: built from the shipment records of the countries that trade with it.
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 3913.10: Polymers, natural: alginic acid, its salts and esters, in primary forms.
Common questions
What is the value of alginic acid and alginate salts imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported alginic acid and alginate salts worth $4.1 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 348 tonnes. That ranks it 24th of 152 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 174% on 2023.
Which countries supply alginic acid and alginate salts to South Africa?
Japan was the largest supplier with 42% of the value ($1.7 million), followed by Norway (21%) and Spain (17%). The top three together account for 80%, out of 19 supplier countries in total. Belgium grew fastest among the top ten, up 652% on the year.
What is the average import price of alginic acid and alginate salts per kg?
The average declared import value was about $11.71 per kg in 2024, 11% below the world average of $13.09 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of alginic acid and alginate salts to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $2.2 million in 2017 to $4.1 million in 2024, an increase of 88%. The peak was 2022 at $4.5 million. Over 8 years the average was $2.9 million a year.
Does South Africa also export alginic acid and alginate salts?
Yes. South Africa exported $1.3 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Angola, the United Kingdom and Kenya. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $2.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for alginic acid and alginate salts?
The HS code for alginic acid and alginate salts is subheading 3913.10. It sits in HS chapter 39 (plastics and articles thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3913 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
The totals here are public statistics; EximDataX adds the company names by reading partner countries' customs records for South Africa. Tell us your product to see it live.
Same product, other countries
World alginic acid and alginate salts trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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