Caffeine imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported caffeine worth $6.1 million (514 tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 10% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 14% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2022, at $12.1 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 | $6.1M | 514 t |
| 2023 | $5.5M | 313 t |
| 2022 | $12.1M | 548 t |
| 2021 | $7.0M | 438 t |
| 2020 | $3.2M | 246 t |
| 2019 | $2.7M | 217 t |
| 2018 | $3.9M | 292 t |
| 2017 | $2.5M | 254 t |
Where South Africa imports caffeine from
One supplier dominates: China accounted for 74% of the value. Among the main suppliers, Italy grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $4.5M | 74% |
| Germany | $855K | 14% |
| Italy | $291K | 4.8% |
| India | $178K | 2.9% |
| Singapore | $110K | 1.8% |
| Netherlands | $58K | 1% |
| Denmark | $46K | 0.8% |
| Ireland | $38K | 0.6% |
| United States | $5K | 0.1% |
| Bulgaria | $4K | 0.1% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $11.85 per kg, close to the world average of $13.39.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Caffeine exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported caffeine worth $207 thousand (10 tonnes). One buyer market dominates: Colombia accounted for 65% of the value.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Colombia | $135K | 65% |
| Zimbabwe | $42K | 20% |
| India | $16K | 7.5% |
| Nigeria | $8K | 3.9% |
| DR Congo | $4K | 1.8% |
| Namibia | $1K | 0.5% |
| Madagascar | $1K | 0.3% |
| Zambia | $1K | 0.3% |
| Eswatini | $0K | 0.2% |
| United Arab Emirates | $0K | 0.1% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa caffeine imports (HS 2939.30): 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 2939.30: Alkaloids: caffeine and its salts.
Common questions
What is the value of caffeine imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported caffeine worth $6.1 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 514 tonnes. That ranks it 20th of 162 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 10% on 2023.
Which countries supply caffeine to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 74% of the value ($4.5 million), followed by Germany (14%) and Italy (5%). The top three together account for 93%, out of 16 supplier countries in total. Germany grew fastest among the top ten, up 73% on the year.
What is the average import price of caffeine per kg?
The average declared import value was about $11.85 per kg in 2024, 12% below the world average of $13.39 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of caffeine to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $2.5 million in 2017 to $6.1 million in 2024, an increase of 147%. The peak was 2022 at $12.1 million. Over 8 years the average was $5.4 million a year.
Does South Africa also export caffeine?
Yes. South Africa exported $207 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Colombia, Zimbabwe and India. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $5.9 million a year.
What is the HS code for caffeine?
The HS code for caffeine is subheading 2939.30. It sits in HS chapter 29 (organic chemicals). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2939 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
More trade data for South Africa
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