Citric acid salts and esters imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported citric acid salts and esters worth $8.9 million (5.0 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value rose 77% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 11% a year on average.
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 | $8.9M | 5.0K t |
| 2023 | $5.0M | 3.5K t |
| 2022 | $9.1M | 3.8K t |
| 2021 | $5.0M | 2.8K t |
| 2020 | $4.4M | 3.8K t |
| 2019 | $4.7M | 3.0K t |
| 2018 | $4.0M | 3.0K t |
| 2017 | $4.3M | 3.0K t |
Where South Africa imports citric acid salts and esters from
Most of the value came from China (36%), Germany (28%), Eswatini (23%). Among the main suppliers, Eswatini grew fastest (+714% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $3.2M | 36% |
| Germany | $2.5M | 28% |
| Eswatini | $2.0M | 23% |
| Austria | $391K | 4.4% |
| Belgium | $187K | 2.1% |
| Brazil | $118K | 1.3% |
| United States | $114K | 1.3% |
| Israel | $108K | 1.2% |
| India | $104K | 1.2% |
| Colombia | $42K | 0.5% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.76 per kg, close to the world average of $1.79.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Citric acid salts and esters exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $354 thousand of citric acid salts and esters in 2024 (137 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Zambia (46%), Mozambique (14%), DR Congo (10%). Among the main buyer markets, DR Congo grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zambia | $164K | 46% |
| Mozambique | $48K | 14% |
| DR Congo | $35K | 9.8% |
| Zimbabwe | $26K | 7.4% |
| Ethiopia | $23K | 6.5% |
| Malawi | $14K | 4% |
| Eswatini | $12K | 3.4% |
| Tanzania | $12K | 3.3% |
| Namibia | $6K | 1.8% |
| Seychelles | $6K | 1.8% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa citric acid salts and esters imports (HS 2918.15): 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 2918.15: Acids: carboxylic acids, (with alcohol function but without other oxygen function), salts and esters of citric acid.
Common questions
What is the value of citric acid salts and esters imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported citric acid salts and esters worth $8.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 5.0 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 27th of 185 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 77% on 2023.
Which countries supply citric acid salts and esters to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 36% of the value ($3.2 million), followed by Germany (28%) and Eswatini (23%). The top three together account for 87%, out of 22 supplier countries in total. Eswatini grew fastest among the top ten, up 714% on the year.
What is the average import price of citric acid salts and esters per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.76 per kg in 2024, close to the world average of $1.79 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 salts and esters to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $4.3 million in 2017 to $8.9 million in 2024, an increase of 105%. The peak was 2022 at $9.1 million. Over 8 years the average was $5.7 million a year.
Does South Africa also export citric acid salts and esters?
Yes. South Africa exported $354 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zambia, Mozambique and the DR Congo. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $8.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for citric acid salts and esters?
The HS code for citric acid salts and esters is subheading 2918.15. 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?
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 citric acid salts and esters trade: top importers and exporters
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