Citric acid imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $26.0 million of citric acid in 2024 (26.9 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 15% more than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2022, at $56.4 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 | $26.0M | 26.9K t |
| 2023 | $22.7M | 22.3K t |
| 2022 | $56.4M | 28.3K t |
| 2021 | $23.8M | 21.0K t |
| 2020 | $14.7M | 18.0K t |
| 2019 | $15.8M | 18.2K t |
| 2018 | $19.5M | 20.3K t |
| 2017 | $23.7M | 21.0K t |
Where South Africa imports citric acid from
One supplier dominates: China accounted for 57% of the value. Among the main suppliers, Turkey grew fastest (+247% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $14.9M | 57% |
| Austria | $5.1M | 20% |
| Turkey | $2.2M | 8.4% |
| Eswatini | $2.0M | 7.6% |
| Brazil | $690K | 2.7% |
| Germany | $319K | 1.2% |
| Belgium | $201K | 0.8% |
| Denmark | $149K | 0.6% |
| India | $145K | 0.6% |
| Ireland | $118K | 0.5% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.96 per kg, close to the world average of $1.12.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Citric acid exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported citric acid worth $2.1 million (1.4 thousand tonnes). Most of it went to Zambia (25%), Zimbabwe (14%), Angola (13%). Among the main buyer markets, Zimbabwe grew fastest (+204% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zambia | $533K | 26% |
| Zimbabwe | $285K | 14% |
| Angola | $281K | 14% |
| Malawi | $212K | 10% |
| Namibia | $193K | 9.3% |
| Botswana | $99K | 4.8% |
| Eswatini | $97K | 4.7% |
| Mozambique | $78K | 3.7% |
| France | $73K | 3.5% |
| Lesotho | $57K | 2.7% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa citric acid imports (HS 2918.14): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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.
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 2918.14: Acids: carboxylic acids, (with alcohol function but without other oxygen function), citric acid.
Common questions
What is the value of citric acid imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported citric acid worth $26.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 26.9 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 23rd of 208 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 15% on 2023.
Which countries supply citric acid to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 57% of the value ($14.9 million), followed by Austria (20%) and Turkey (8%). The top three together account for 85%, out of 30 supplier countries in total. Turkey grew fastest among the top ten, up 247% on the year.
What is the average import price of citric acid per kg?
The average declared import value was about $0.96 per kg in 2024, 14% below the world average of $1.12 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of citric acid to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $23.7 million in 2017 to $26.0 million in 2024, an increase of 10%. The peak was 2022 at $56.4 million. Over 8 years the average was $25.3 million a year.
Does South Africa also export citric acid?
Yes. South Africa exported $2.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zambia, Zimbabwe and Angola. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $23.9 million a year.
What is the HS code for citric acid?
The HS code for citric acid is subheading 2918.14. It sits in HS chapter 29 (organic chemicals). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2918 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
The totals here are public statistics; EximDataX adds the company names by reading partner countries' customs records for South Africa. Tell us your product to see it live.
Same product, other countries
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.