Casein imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $28.4 million of casein in 2024 (3.3 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 10% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 9% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2022, at $41.0 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 | $28.4M | 3.3K t |
| 2023 | $31.4M | 2.6K t |
| 2022 | $41.0M | 3.7K t |
| 2021 | $30.9M | 3.5K t |
| 2020 | $20.3M | 2.7K t |
| 2019 | $18.0M | 2.8K t |
| 2018 | $18.8M | 2.8K t |
| 2017 | $15.9M | 2.5K t |
Where South Africa imports casein from
Most of the value came from Ireland (37%), New Zealand (29%), France (15%). Among the main suppliers, United States grew fastest (+378% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Ireland | $10.5M | 37% |
| New Zealand | $8.3M | 29% |
| France | $4.2M | 15% |
| Netherlands | $3.2M | 11% |
| Denmark | $904K | 3.2% |
| United States | $590K | 2.1% |
| Ukraine | $325K | 1.1% |
| Germany | $195K | 0.7% |
| Zimbabwe | $77K | 0.3% |
| Spain | $54K | 0.2% |
Product types under HS 3501
| 3501.10 | Casein | 72% |
| 3501.90 | Caseinates and other casein derivatives: casein glues | 28% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 3501.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $8.61 per kg, close to the world average of $8.42.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Casein exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported casein worth $1.2 million (275 tonnes). One buyer market dominates: Zimbabwe accounted for 59% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, Angola grew fastest (+68% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $732K | 59% |
| Japan | $218K | 18% |
| Angola | $108K | 8.8% |
| Eswatini | $64K | 5.2% |
| Lesotho | $59K | 4.8% |
| Mozambique | $13K | 1% |
| Malawi | $13K | 1% |
| Botswana | $12K | 1% |
| Zambia | $10K | 0.8% |
| South Korea | $5K | 0.4% |
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 3501: Casein, caseinates and other casein derivatives; casein glues.
Common questions
What is the value of casein imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported casein worth $28.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 3.3 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 21st of 165 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was down 10% on 2023.
Which countries supply casein to South Africa?
Ireland was the largest supplier with 37% of the value ($10.5 million), followed by New Zealand (29%) and France (15%). The top three together account for 81%, out of 19 supplier countries in total. Spain grew fastest among the top ten, up 503% on the year.
What is the average import price of casein per kg?
The average declared import value was about $8.61 per kg in 2024, close to the world average of $8.42 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 casein to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $15.9 million in 2017 to $28.4 million in 2024, an increase of 79%. The peak was 2022 at $41.0 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export casein?
Yes. South Africa exported $1.2 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zimbabwe, Japan and Angola. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $27.2 million a year.
What is the HS code for casein?
The HS code for casein is heading 3501. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 3501.10 (72% of the value) and 3501.90 (28%). It sits in HS chapter 35 (albuminoidal substances; modified starches; glues; enzymes). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3501 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.
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