Antibiotic imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $21.9 million of antibiotic in 2024 (1.4 thousand tonnes). Value fell 12% from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2022, at $28.1 million.
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 | $21.9M | 1.4K t |
| 2023 | $24.9M | 1.4K t |
| 2022 | $28.1M | 1.2K t |
| 2021 | $24.2M | 1.3K t |
| 2020 | $23.3M | 1.7K t |
| 2019 | $19.3M | 1.3K t |
| 2018 | $23.3M | 1.5K t |
| 2017 | $23.1M | 2.2K t |
Where South Africa imports antibiotic from
The largest suppliers were China (50%), India (37%), Bulgaria (3%).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $10.9M | 50% |
| India | $8.1M | 37% |
| Bulgaria | $679K | 3.1% |
| United States | $644K | 2.9% |
| Portugal | $408K | 1.9% |
| Spain | $236K | 1.1% |
| Netherlands | $183K | 0.8% |
| South Korea | $147K | 0.7% |
| Italy | $111K | 0.5% |
| Germany | $110K | 0.5% |
Product types under HS 2941
| 2941.10 | Antibiotics: penicillins and their derivatives with a penicillanic acid structure: salts thereof | 38% |
| 2941.90 | Antibiotics: n.e.c. in heading no. 2941 | 37% |
| 2941.30 | Antibiotics: tetracyclines and their derivatives: salts thereof | 24% |
| 2941.40 | Antibiotics: chloramphenicol and its derivatives: salts thereof | 0.5% |
| 2941.50 | Antibiotics: erythromycin and its derivatives: salts thereof | 0.4% |
| 2941.20 | Antibiotics: streptomycins and their derivatives: salts thereof | 0.1% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 2941.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $16.12 per kg, 78% below the world average of $72.95, 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.
Antibiotic exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported antibiotic worth $742 thousand (222 tonnes). Most of it went to Zambia (39%), Zimbabwe (24%), Malawi (15%). Among the main buyer markets, Nigeria grew fastest (+132% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zambia | $286K | 39% |
| Zimbabwe | $178K | 24% |
| Malawi | $110K | 15% |
| Mozambique | $57K | 7.7% |
| Nigeria | $24K | 3.3% |
| Namibia | $23K | 3.1% |
| Lesotho | $18K | 2.4% |
| Kenya | $10K | 1.3% |
| Botswana | $9K | 1.2% |
| Eswatini | $7K | 0.9% |
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 2941: Antibiotics.
Common questions
What is the value of antibiotic imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported antibiotic worth $21.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.4 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 55th of 198 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 12% on 2023.
Which countries supply antibiotic to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 50% of the value ($10.9 million), followed by India (37%) and Bulgaria (3%). The top three together account for 90%, out of 30 supplier countries in total. South Korea grew fastest among the top ten, up 436% on the year.
What is the average import price of antibiotic per kg?
The average declared import value was about $16.12 per kg in 2024, 78% below the world average of $72.95 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 antibiotic to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $23.1 million in 2017 to $21.9 million in 2024, a fall of 5%. The peak was 2022 at $28.1 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export antibiotic?
Yes. South Africa exported $742 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zambia, Zimbabwe and Malawi. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $21.2 million a year.
What is the HS code for antibiotic?
The HS code for antibiotic is heading 2941. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 2941.10 (38% of the value) and 2941.90 (37%). It sits in HS chapter 29 (organic chemicals). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2941 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.
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
Everything we show you comes from official customs filings — records, not claims. 30 minutes. Your shipment. Your HS code. Real platform. If you don’t see something new about your market by the end of the call, we walk away. No follow-ups.