Methionine imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of methionine by South Africa reached $47.7 million in 2024 (18.9 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 2%. That is 42% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 12% 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 | $47.7M | 18.9K t |
| 2023 | $33.5M | 15.9K t |
| 2022 | $47.2M | 16.8K t |
| 2021 | $35.9M | 16.3K t |
| 2020 | $27.5M | 15.0K t |
| 2019 | $23.3M | 12.6K t |
| 2018 | $27.7M | 11.4K t |
| 2017 | $21.7M | 9.4K t |
Where South Africa imports methionine from
One supplier dominates: Belgium accounted for 55% of the value. Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+421% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Belgium | $26.2M | 55% |
| Japan | $9.9M | 21% |
| China | $9.0M | 19% |
| Singapore | $1.4M | 3% |
| Malaysia | $818K | 1.7% |
| France | $339K | 0.7% |
| Netherlands | $40K | 0.1% |
| Hong Kong | $15K | 0% |
| Armenia | $3K | 0% |
| United Kingdom | $0K | 0% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.52 per kg, close to the world average of $2.54.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Methionine exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported methionine worth $7.7 million (2.4 thousand tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Zimbabwe (33%), Zambia (19%), Malawi (18%). Among the main buyer markets, Malawi grew fastest (+107% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $2.5M | 33% |
| Zambia | $1.5M | 19% |
| Malawi | $1.4M | 18% |
| Mozambique | $1.1M | 14% |
| Eswatini | $549K | 7.1% |
| Kenya | $243K | 3.1% |
| Madagascar | $111K | 1.4% |
| Tanzania | $80K | 1% |
| Mauritius | $67K | 0.9% |
| Angola | $62K | 0.8% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa methionine imports (HS 2930.40): 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 2930.40: Organo-sulphur compounds: methionine.
Common questions
What is the value of methionine imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported methionine worth $47.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 18.9 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 12th of 156 countries worldwide, with 2% of world imports. The value was up 42% on 2023.
Which countries supply methionine to South Africa?
Belgium was the largest supplier with 55% of the value ($26.2 million), followed by Japan (21%) and China (19%). The top three together account for 94%, out of 16 supplier countries in total. China grew fastest among the top ten, up 421% on the year.
What is the average import price of methionine per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.52 per kg in 2024, close to the world average of $2.54 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of methionine to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $21.7 million in 2017 to $47.7 million in 2024, an increase of 120%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $33.1 million a year.
Does South Africa also export methionine?
Yes. South Africa exported $7.7 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $39.9 million a year.
What is the HS code for methionine?
The HS code for methionine is subheading 2930.40. It sits in HS chapter 29 (organic chemicals). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2930 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.
Same product, other countries
More trade data for South Africa
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
Everything we show you comes from official customs filings — records, not claims. 30 minutes. Your shipment. Your HS code. Real platform. If you don’t see something new about your market by the end of the call, we walk away. No follow-ups.