Butyric and valeric acids imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported butyric and valeric acids worth $9.1 million (4.4 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 18% 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 | $9.1M | 4.4K t |
| 2023 | $7.7M | 3.5K t |
| 2022 | $10.1M | 3.9K t |
| 2021 | $6.6M | 3.3K t |
| 2020 | $5.2M | 4.0K t |
| 2019 | $6.7M | 4.1K t |
| 2018 | $6.4M | 4.4K t |
| 2017 | $5.7M | 3.6K t |
Where South Africa imports butyric and valeric acids from
Most of the value came from United States (34%), China (29%), Belgium (27%). Among the main suppliers, Spain grew fastest (+286% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $3.1M | 34% |
| China | $2.6M | 29% |
| Belgium | $2.5M | 27% |
| United Kingdom | $261K | 2.9% |
| Spain | $179K | 2% |
| India | $148K | 1.6% |
| Germany | $115K | 1.3% |
| Netherlands | $83K | 0.9% |
| Switzerland | $36K | 0.4% |
| Mexico | $33K | 0.4% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.06 per kg, close to the world average of $2.34.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Butyric and valeric acids exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported butyric and valeric acids worth $292 thousand (111 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Zimbabwe (40%), Zambia (16%), Malawi (12%). Among the main buyer markets, Zimbabwe grew fastest (+84% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $116K | 40% |
| Zambia | $48K | 16% |
| Malawi | $35K | 12% |
| United Kingdom | $35K | 12% |
| Botswana | $20K | 6.9% |
| Namibia | $13K | 4.4% |
| Eswatini | $10K | 3.5% |
| Mozambique | $4K | 1.5% |
| India | $3K | 1.1% |
| Turkey | $3K | 0.9% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa butyric and valeric acids imports (HS 2915.60): 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 2915.60: Acids: saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids: butanoic acids, pentanoic acids, their salts and esters.
Common questions
What is the value of butyric and valeric acids imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported butyric and valeric acids worth $9.1 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 4.4 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 22nd of 168 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 18% on 2023.
Which countries supply butyric and valeric acids to South Africa?
The United States was the largest supplier with 34% of the value ($3.1 million), followed by China (29%) and Belgium (27%). The top three together account for 90%, out of 21 supplier countries in total. The Netherlands grew fastest among the top ten, up 487% on the year.
What is the average import price of butyric and valeric acids per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.06 per kg in 2024, 12% below the world average of $2.34 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of butyric and valeric acids to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $5.7 million in 2017 to $9.1 million in 2024, an increase of 58%. The peak was 2022 at $10.1 million. Over 8 years the average was $7.2 million a year.
Does South Africa also export butyric and valeric acids?
Yes. South Africa exported $292 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $8.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for butyric and valeric acids?
The HS code for butyric and valeric acids is subheading 2915.60. It sits in HS chapter 29 (organic chemicals). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2915 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 butyric and valeric acids trade: top importers and exporters
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