Nucleic acid imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $50.9 million of nucleic acid in 2024 (2.5 thousand tonnes). Value fell 14% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 9% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2021, at $124.9 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 | $50.9M | 2.5K t |
| 2023 | $58.9M | 2.6K t |
| 2022 | $82.8M | 2.6K t |
| 2021 | $124.9M | 3.8K t |
| 2020 | $121.9M | 3.1K t |
| 2019 | $89.5M | 2.8K t |
| 2018 | $115.4M | 3.6K t |
| 2017 | $101.4M | 3.0K t |
Where South Africa imports nucleic acid from
The largest suppliers were China (48%), India (32%), Thailand (4%).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $24.2M | 48% |
| India | $16.3M | 32% |
| Thailand | $2.2M | 4.3% |
| Germany | $2.2M | 4.3% |
| Switzerland | $1.6M | 3.1% |
| United States | $1.2M | 2.4% |
| Belgium | $980K | 1.9% |
| France | $508K | 1% |
| Italy | $490K | 1% |
| Spain | $401K | 0.8% |
Product types under HS 2934
| 2934.99 | Nucleic acids and their salts, other heterocyclic compounds, n.e.c. in heading number 2934 | 78% |
| 2934.10 | Heterocyclic compounds: containing an unfused thiazole ring (whether or not hydrogenated) in the structure | 18% |
| 2934.30 | Heterocyclic compounds: containing in the structure, a phenothiazine ring-system (whether or not hydrogenated), not further fused | 1.9% |
| 2934.20 | Heterocyclic compounds: containing in the structure, a benzothiazole ring-system (whether or not hydrogenated), not further fused | 1.7% |
| 2934.91 | Other heterocyclic compounds, n.e.c. in 2934.1, 2934.2 and 2934.3 | 0% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 2934.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $20.67 per kg, 68% below the world average of $65.13, 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.
Nucleic acid exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported nucleic acid worth $4.5 million (183 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were India (38%), Portugal (14%), China (9%). Among the main buyer markets, China grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $1.7M | 38% |
| Portugal | $656K | 15% |
| China | $415K | 9.1% |
| United States | $411K | 9.1% |
| United Kingdom | $270K | 6% |
| Pakistan | $183K | 4% |
| Angola | $152K | 3.4% |
| Mauritius | $138K | 3% |
| Namibia | $106K | 2.3% |
| Germany | $95K | 2.1% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
Public statistics stop at country totals and the last published year. EximDataX shows the shipment records underneath: the companies, dates, quantities and declared values, updated weekly.
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.
Updated weekly on EximDataX (some markets daily), while public statistics stop at 2024.
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 2934: Nucleic acids and their salts, whether or not chemically defined; other heterocyclic compounds.
Common questions
What is the value of nucleic acid imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported nucleic acid worth $50.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 2.5 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 41st of 191 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 14% on 2023.
Which countries supply nucleic acid to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 48% of the value ($24.2 million), followed by India (32%) and Thailand (4%). The top three together account for 84%, out of 56 supplier countries in total. Belgium grew fastest among the top ten, up 95% on the year.
What is the average import price of nucleic acid per kg?
The average declared import value was about $20.67 per kg in 2024, 68% below the world average of $65.13 per kg. It is total declared value divided by total weight, so it blends every grade and size; use it as a benchmark, not a quote. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
How have imports of nucleic acid to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $101.4 million in 2017 to $50.9 million in 2024, a fall of 50%. The peak was 2021 at $124.9 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export nucleic acid?
Yes. South Africa exported $4.5 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to India, Portugal and China. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $46.4 million a year.
What is the HS code for nucleic acid?
The HS code for nucleic acid is heading 2934. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 2934.99 (78% of the value) and 2934.10 (18%). It sits in HS chapter 29 (organic chemicals). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2934 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
Public statistics stop at country totals. EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, updated weekly, so you can see the companies that ship to and from it. Tell us your product and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
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.