Culture medium imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported culture medium worth $8.3 million (311 tonnes). Value rose 8% on 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2021, at $12.9 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 | $8.3M | 311 t |
| 2023 | $7.7M | 298 t |
| 2022 | $9.9M | 513 t |
| 2021 | $12.9M | 747 t |
| 2020 | $12.3M | 437 t |
| 2019 | $8.7M | 314 t |
| 2018 | $9.0M | 318 t |
| 2017 | $7.9M | 281 t |
Where South Africa imports culture medium from
The largest suppliers were United States (29%), France (26%), Germany (14%). Among the main suppliers, India grew fastest (+97% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $2.4M | 29% |
| France | $2.1M | 26% |
| Germany | $1.2M | 14% |
| United Kingdom | $384K | 4.6% |
| Italy | $310K | 3.7% |
| Poland | $290K | 3.5% |
| Netherlands | $246K | 3% |
| Spain | $213K | 2.6% |
| India | $153K | 1.8% |
| Sweden | $146K | 1.8% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $26.70 per kg, 65% above the world average of $16.14. This usually points to higher-grade or processed goods.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Culture medium exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $717 thousand of culture medium in 2024 (54 tonnes). Most of it went to Zambia (21%), Mauritius (15%), Namibia (13%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 49%. Among the main buyer markets, Malawi grew fastest (+595% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zambia | $154K | 21% |
| Mauritius | $107K | 15% |
| Namibia | $93K | 13% |
| Botswana | $89K | 12% |
| Malawi | $70K | 9.7% |
| Mozambique | $50K | 7% |
| Eswatini | $29K | 4% |
| Zimbabwe | $26K | 3.7% |
| Lesotho | $22K | 3.1% |
| Uganda | $12K | 1.6% |
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 3821: Prepared culture media for the development or maintenance of micro-organisms (including viruses and the like) or of plant, human or animal cells.
Common questions
What is the value of culture medium imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported culture medium worth $8.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 311 tonnes. That ranks it 49th of 211 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 8% on 2023.
Which countries supply culture medium to South Africa?
The United States was the largest supplier with 29% of the value ($2.4 million), followed by France (26%) and Germany (14%). The top three together account for 69%, out of 47 supplier countries in total. India grew fastest among the top ten, up 97% on the year.
What is the average import price of culture medium per kg?
The average declared import value was about $26.70 per kg in 2024, 65% above the world average of $16.14 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 culture medium to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $7.9 million in 2017 to $8.3 million in 2024, an increase of 6%. The peak was 2021 at $12.9 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export culture medium?
Yes. South Africa exported $717 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zambia, Mauritius and Namibia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $7.6 million a year.
What is the HS code for culture medium?
The HS code for culture medium is heading 3821. In South Africa all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 3821.00. It sits in HS chapter 38 (chemical products n.e.c.). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3821 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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