Lecithins imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of lecithins by South Africa reached $4.6 million in 2024 (1.4 thousand tonnes). That is 42% less than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2023, at $7.9 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 | $4.6M | 1.4K t |
| 2023 | $7.9M | 1.8K t |
| 2022 | $6.0M | 2.0K t |
| 2021 | $3.6M | 1.6K t |
| 2020 | $2.9M | 1.7K t |
| 2019 | $3.0M | 1.9K t |
| 2018 | $3.3M | 1.9K t |
| 2017 | $2.9M | 1.9K t |
Where South Africa imports lecithins from
The largest suppliers were Denmark (24%), India (17%), Netherlands (15%).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Denmark | $1.1M | 24% |
| India | $810K | 18% |
| Netherlands | $714K | 15% |
| United States | $464K | 10% |
| China | $387K | 8.3% |
| Argentina | $313K | 6.7% |
| Spain | $290K | 6.3% |
| Germany | $231K | 5% |
| Brazil | $113K | 2.4% |
| Belgium | $106K | 2.3% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $3.38 per kg, 90% above the world average of $1.78. 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.
Lecithins exports from South Africa
Exports of lecithins by South Africa reached $455 thousand in 2024 (220 tonnes). Most of it went to Zambia (32%), Zimbabwe (31%), Mozambique (9%). Among the main buyer markets, Namibia grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zambia | $144K | 32% |
| Zimbabwe | $141K | 31% |
| Mozambique | $43K | 9.4% |
| Angola | $37K | 8.1% |
| DR Congo | $21K | 4.7% |
| Eswatini | $19K | 4.1% |
| Kenya | $18K | 3.9% |
| Namibia | $13K | 2.9% |
| Malawi | $9K | 1.9% |
| Mauritius | $7K | 1.6% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa lecithins imports (HS 2923.20): 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 2923.20: Lecithins and other phosphoaminolipids, whether or not chemically defined.
Common questions
What is the value of lecithins imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported lecithins worth $4.6 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.4 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 42nd of 177 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 42% on 2023.
Which countries supply lecithins to South Africa?
Denmark was the largest supplier with 24% of the value ($1.1 million), followed by India (17%) and the Netherlands (15%). The top three together account for 56%, out of 25 supplier countries in total.
What is the average import price of lecithins per kg?
The average declared import value was about $3.38 per kg in 2024, 90% above the world average of $1.78 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of lecithins to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $2.9 million in 2017 to $4.6 million in 2024, an increase of 62%. The peak was 2023 at $7.9 million. Over 8 years the average was $4.3 million a year.
Does South Africa also export lecithins?
Yes. South Africa exported $455 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zambia, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $4.2 million a year.
What is the HS code for lecithins?
The HS code for lecithins is subheading 2923.20. It sits in HS chapter 29 (organic chemicals). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2923 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
For South Africa, EximDataX reads the shipment records of the countries that trade with it and shows the companies on both sides. We can walk you through your product on a short call.
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