Lysine imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported lysine worth $24.7 million (20.7 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 27% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 9% a year on average.
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 | $24.7M | 20.7K t |
| 2023 | $19.4M | 16.6K t |
| 2022 | $26.1M | 17.3K t |
| 2021 | $24.2M | 19.6K t |
| 2020 | $15.1M | 16.9K t |
| 2019 | $13.1M | 14.8K t |
| 2018 | $13.9M | 12.6K t |
| 2017 | $13.8M | 12.8K t |
Where South Africa imports lysine from
China alone supplied 99% of it.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $24.5M | 99% |
| United States | $149K | 0.6% |
| South Korea | $9K | 0% |
| Poland | $8K | 0% |
| Germany | $2K | 0% |
| India | $1K | 0% |
| Switzerland | $1K | 0% |
| France | $0K | 0% |
| Australia | $0K | 0% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.19 per kg, close to the world average of $1.35.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Lysine exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $2.9 million of lysine in 2024 (1.7 thousand tonnes). Most of it went to Zimbabwe (44%), Zambia (24%), Mozambique (11%). Among the main buyer markets, Namibia grew fastest (+647% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $1.3M | 45% |
| Zambia | $676K | 24% |
| Mozambique | $306K | 11% |
| Eswatini | $275K | 9.6% |
| Malawi | $153K | 5.4% |
| Namibia | $79K | 2.8% |
| Mauritius | $43K | 1.5% |
| Madagascar | $20K | 0.7% |
| Botswana | $13K | 0.5% |
| Tanzania | $12K | 0.4% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa lysine imports (HS 2922.41): 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 2922.41: Amino-acids, other than those containing more than one kind of oxygen function, and their esters: lysine and its esters: salts thereof.
Common questions
What is the value of lysine imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported lysine worth $24.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 20.7 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 30th of 158 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 27% on 2023.
Which countries supply lysine to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 99% of the value ($24.5 million), followed by the United States (1%) and South Korea (0%). The top three together account for 100%, out of 9 supplier countries in total. China grew fastest among the top ten, up 29% on the year.
What is the average import price of lysine per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.19 per kg in 2024, 12% below the world average of $1.35 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of lysine to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $13.8 million in 2017 to $24.7 million in 2024, an increase of 79%. The peak was 2022 at $26.1 million. Over 8 years the average was $18.8 million a year.
Does South Africa also export lysine?
Yes. South Africa exported $2.9 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zimbabwe, Zambia and Mozambique. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $21.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for lysine?
The HS code for lysine is subheading 2922.41. It sits in HS chapter 29 (organic chemicals). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2922 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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