Diagnostic reagent imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $341.3 million of diagnostic reagent in 2024 (5.0 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 10% more than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
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 | $341.3M | 5.0K t |
| 2023 | $310.0M | 4.2K t |
| 2022 | $330.1M | 5.9K t |
| 2021 | $389.4M | 7.5K t |
| 2020 | $364.4M | 4.2K t |
| 2019 | $273.7M | 4.5K t |
| 2018 | $258.7M | 4.2K t |
| 2017 | $235.1M | 4.0K t |
Where South Africa imports diagnostic reagent from
The largest suppliers were United States (46%), Germany (13%), France (7%). Among the main suppliers, Canada grew fastest (+283% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $157.7M | 46% |
| Germany | $45.0M | 13% |
| France | $23.8M | 7% |
| China | $18.7M | 5.5% |
| Canada | $15.0M | 4.4% |
| United Kingdom | $13.9M | 4.1% |
| Sweden | $13.6M | 4% |
| Japan | $7.6M | 2.2% |
| Ireland | $6.8M | 2% |
| Poland | $3.9M | 1.1% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $68.57 per kg, 20% below the world average of $85.91, which often means bulk or lower-grade product.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Diagnostic reagent exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported diagnostic reagent worth $87.1 million (1.6 thousand tonnes). The largest buyer markets were United States (15%), Zimbabwe (13%), Botswana (9%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 38%. Among the main buyer markets, Eswatini grew fastest (+393% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $12.8M | 15% |
| Zimbabwe | $11.7M | 14% |
| Botswana | $8.2M | 9.4% |
| Zambia | $8.0M | 9.2% |
| Germany | $7.2M | 8.2% |
| Namibia | $6.2M | 7.1% |
| Eswatini | $4.4M | 5.1% |
| Mozambique | $3.6M | 4.1% |
| Lesotho | $2.8M | 3.2% |
| Malawi | $2.7M | 3.1% |
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 3822: Reagents; diagnostic or laboratory reagents on a backing, prepared diagnostic or laboratory reagents whether or not on a backing, whether or not put up in the form of kits, other than those of heading 30.06; certified reference materials.
Common questions
What is the value of diagnostic reagent imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported diagnostic reagent worth $341.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 5.0 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 29th of 224 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 10% on 2023.
Which countries supply diagnostic reagent to South Africa?
The United States was the largest supplier with 46% of the value ($157.7 million), followed by Germany (13%) and France (7%). The top three together account for 66%, out of 106 supplier countries in total. Canada grew fastest among the top ten, up 283% on the year.
What is the average import price of diagnostic reagent per kg?
The average declared import value was about $68.57 per kg in 2024, 20% below the world average of $85.91 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 diagnostic reagent to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $235.1 million in 2017 to $341.3 million in 2024, an increase of 45%. The peak was 2021 at $389.4 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export diagnostic reagent?
Yes. South Africa exported $87.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the United States, Zimbabwe and Botswana. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $254.2 million a year.
What is the HS code for diagnostic reagent?
The HS code for diagnostic reagent is heading 3822. In South Africa all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 3822.00. It sits in HS chapter 38 (chemical products n.e.c.). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3822 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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