Amino acids (other) imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported amino acids (other) worth $28.3 million (10.6 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 5% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 11% a year on average.
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 | $28.3M | 10.6K t |
| 2023 | $29.9M | 9.7K t |
| 2022 | $33.0M | 7.4K t |
| 2021 | $27.3M | 7.6K t |
| 2020 | $20.9M | 6.5K t |
| 2019 | $15.7M | 5.0K t |
| 2018 | $16.7M | 4.8K t |
| 2017 | $13.3M | 4.2K t |
Where South Africa imports amino acids (other) from
China alone supplied 65% of it.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $18.4M | 65% |
| United States | $5.1M | 18% |
| Netherlands | $2.3M | 8.2% |
| Malaysia | $586K | 2.1% |
| Indonesia | $559K | 2% |
| India | $414K | 1.5% |
| Spain | $214K | 0.8% |
| Germany | $197K | 0.7% |
| Italy | $117K | 0.4% |
| Switzerland | $107K | 0.4% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.68 per kg, 38% below the world average of $4.33, which often means bulk or lower-grade product.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Amino acids (other) exports from South Africa
Exports of amino acids (other) by South Africa reached $1.5 million in 2024 (553 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Malawi (28%), Tanzania (19%), Zambia (18%). Among the main buyer markets, Malawi grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Malawi | $419K | 28% |
| Tanzania | $292K | 20% |
| Zambia | $272K | 18% |
| Zimbabwe | $173K | 12% |
| Mozambique | $87K | 5.8% |
| Poland | $55K | 3.7% |
| Namibia | $39K | 2.6% |
| Botswana | $36K | 2.4% |
| Eswatini | $36K | 2.4% |
| Mauritius | $26K | 1.7% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa amino acids (other) imports (HS 2922.49): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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.
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 2922.49: Amino-acids, other than those containing more than one kind of oxygen function, their esters: salts thereof, excluding lysine, glutamic acid, anthranalic acid and tilidine, their esters and salts thereof.
Common questions
What is the value of amino acids (other) imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported amino acids (other) worth $28.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 10.6 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 31st of 188 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was down 5% on 2023.
Which countries supply amino acids (other) to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 65% of the value ($18.4 million), followed by the United States (18%) and the Netherlands (8%). The top three together account for 91%, out of 34 supplier countries in total. India grew fastest among the top ten, up 168% on the year.
What is the average import price of amino acids (other) per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.68 per kg in 2024, 38% below the world average of $4.33 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of amino acids (other) to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $13.3 million in 2017 to $28.3 million in 2024, an increase of 114%. The peak was 2022 at $33.0 million. Over 8 years the average was $23.1 million a year.
Does South Africa also export amino acids (other)?
Yes. South Africa exported $1.5 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Malawi, Tanzania and Zambia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $26.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for amino acids (other)?
The HS code for amino acids (other) is subheading 2922.49. It sits in HS chapter 29 (organic chemicals). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2922 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, so the companies shipping to and from it are visible. Ask for a live look at your product.
Same product, other countries
World amino acids (other) trade: top importers and exporters
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