Lactones imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported lactones worth $4.6 million (302 tonnes). Value rose 19% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 19% a year on average.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
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Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $4.6M | 302 t |
| 2023 | $3.9M | 236 t |
| 2022 | $4.2M | 399 t |
| 2021 | $3.0M | 242 t |
| 2020 | $2.9M | 170 t |
| 2019 | $3.2M | 282 t |
| 2018 | $4.5M | 102 t |
| 2017 | $1.4M | 134 t |
Where South Africa imports lactones from
China alone supplied 76% of it. Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+73% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $3.5M | 76% |
| India | $479K | 10% |
| United States | $202K | 4.4% |
| France | $137K | 3% |
| Spain | $81K | 1.8% |
| Netherlands | $77K | 1.7% |
| Germany | $37K | 0.8% |
| Romania | $26K | 0.6% |
| United Kingdom | $19K | 0.4% |
| Switzerland | $11K | 0.2% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $15.27 per kg, close to the world average of $12.82.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa lactones imports (HS 2932.20): 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 2932.20: Heterocyclic compounds: with oxygen hetero-atom(s) only, containing an unfused furan ring (whether or not hydrogenated) in the structure, lactones.
Common questions
What is the value of lactones imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported lactones worth $4.6 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 302 tonnes. That ranks it 38th of 176 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 19% on 2023.
Which countries supply lactones to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 76% of the value ($3.5 million), followed by India (10%) and the United States (4%). The top three together account for 91%, out of 26 supplier countries in total. The Netherlands grew fastest among the top ten, up 243% on the year.
What is the average import price of lactones per kg?
The average declared import value was about $15.27 per kg in 2024, 19% above the world average of $12.82 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of lactones to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $1.4 million in 2017 to $4.6 million in 2024, an increase of 233%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $3.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for lactones?
The HS code for lactones is subheading 2932.20. It sits in HS chapter 29 (organic chemicals). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2932 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.
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