Antibiotics (other) imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of antibiotics (other) by South Africa reached $8.1 million in 2024 (250 tonnes). Value fell 30% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 8% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2017, at $14.5 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 | $8.1M | 250 t |
| 2023 | $11.5M | 344 t |
| 2022 | $12.8M | 345 t |
| 2021 | $10.2M | 375 t |
| 2020 | $8.9M | 565 t |
| 2019 | $8.0M | 464 t |
| 2018 | $9.4M | 488 t |
| 2017 | $14.5M | 1.4K t |
Where South Africa imports antibiotics (other) from
One supplier dominates: China accounted for 60% of the value. Among the main suppliers, India grew fastest (+336% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $4.9M | 60% |
| India | $1.0M | 12% |
| Bulgaria | $679K | 8.4% |
| United States | $636K | 7.8% |
| Spain | $212K | 2.6% |
| South Korea | $147K | 1.8% |
| Italy | $111K | 1.4% |
| Austria | $103K | 1.3% |
| Germany | $100K | 1.2% |
| Czech Republic | $74K | 0.9% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $32.40 per kg, 72% below the world average of $116.78, 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.
Antibiotics (other) exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported antibiotics (other) worth $532 thousand (157 tonnes). Most of it went to Zambia (39%), Zimbabwe (16%), Malawi (16%). Among the main buyer markets, Nigeria grew fastest (+132% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zambia | $209K | 39% |
| Zimbabwe | $88K | 17% |
| Malawi | $86K | 16% |
| Mozambique | $56K | 11% |
| Nigeria | $24K | 4.6% |
| Namibia | $22K | 4.2% |
| Lesotho | $11K | 2.1% |
| Kenya | $9K | 1.8% |
| Botswana | $9K | 1.7% |
| Eswatini | $6K | 1% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa antibiotics (other) imports (HS 2941.90): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
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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 2941.90: Antibiotics: n.e.c. in heading no. 2941.
Common questions
What is the value of antibiotics (other) imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported antibiotics (other) worth $8.1 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 250 tonnes. That ranks it 60th of 190 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 30% on 2023.
Which countries supply antibiotics (other) to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 60% of the value ($4.9 million), followed by India (12%) and Bulgaria (8%). The top three together account for 81%, out of 27 supplier countries in total. South Korea grew fastest among the top ten, up 436% on the year.
What is the average import price of antibiotics (other) per kg?
The average declared import value was about $32.40 per kg in 2024, 72% below the world average of $116.78 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of antibiotics (other) to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $14.5 million in 2017 to $8.1 million in 2024, a fall of 44%. The peak was 2017 at $14.5 million. Over 8 years the average was $10.4 million a year.
Does South Africa also export antibiotics (other)?
Yes. South Africa exported $532 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 $7.6 million a year.
What is the HS code for antibiotics (other)?
The HS code for antibiotics (other) is subheading 2941.90. 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?
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 antibiotics (other) trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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