Insulin medicines (packaged) imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $37.5 million of insulin medicines (packaged) in 2024 (596 tonnes). Value rose 25% on 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2021, at $64.2 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 | $37.5M | 596 t |
| 2023 | $29.9M | 399 t |
| 2022 | $35.3M | 438 t |
| 2021 | $64.2M | 428 t |
| 2020 | $40.0M | 560 t |
| 2019 | $50.8M | 503 t |
| 2018 | $43.9M | 517 t |
| 2017 | $40.6M | 487 t |
Where South Africa imports insulin medicines (packaged) from
The largest suppliers were Germany (32%), Denmark (31%), France (19%). Among the main suppliers, Denmark grew fastest (+175% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $12.0M | 32% |
| Denmark | $11.6M | 31% |
| France | $7.2M | 19% |
| Italy | $4.2M | 11% |
| Brazil | $989K | 2.6% |
| India | $678K | 1.8% |
| China | $672K | 1.8% |
| United States | $138K | 0.4% |
| Canada | $0K | 0% |
| Netherlands | $0K | 0% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $62.89 per kg, 75% below the world average of $247.95, 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.
Insulin medicines (packaged) exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported insulin medicines (packaged) worth $700 thousand (14 tonnes). Botswana alone took 52% of it. Among the main buyer markets, Botswana grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Botswana | $365K | 52% |
| Namibia | $186K | 27% |
| France | $84K | 12% |
| Zambia | $22K | 3.1% |
| Mauritius | $17K | 2.5% |
| Eswatini | $14K | 2% |
| India | $6K | 0.8% |
| Lesotho | $3K | 0.4% |
| Zimbabwe | $2K | 0.2% |
| United Arab Emirates | $1K | 0.1% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa insulin medicines (packaged) imports (HS 3004.31): 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 3004.31: Medicaments: containing insulin, for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, packaged for retail sale.
Common questions
What is the value of insulin medicines (packaged) imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported insulin medicines (packaged) worth $37.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 596 tonnes. That ranks it 41st of 207 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 25% on 2023.
Which countries supply insulin medicines (packaged) to South Africa?
Germany was the largest supplier with 32% of the value ($12.0 million), followed by Denmark (31%) and France (19%). The top three together account for 82%, out of 12 supplier countries in total. Denmark grew fastest among the top ten, up 175% on the year.
What is the average import price of insulin medicines (packaged) per kg?
The average declared import value was about $62.89 per kg in 2024, 75% below the world average of $247.95 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of insulin medicines (packaged) to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $40.6 million in 2017 to $37.5 million in 2024, a fall of 8%. The peak was 2021 at $64.2 million. Over 8 years the average was $42.8 million a year.
Does South Africa also export insulin medicines (packaged)?
Yes. South Africa exported $700 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Botswana, Namibia and France. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $36.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for insulin medicines (packaged)?
The HS code for insulin medicines (packaged) is subheading 3004.31. It sits in HS chapter 30 (pharmaceutical products). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3004 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
World insulin medicines (packaged) trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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