Opium alkaloids imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $2.5 million of opium alkaloids in 2024 (8 tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value fell 6% from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2020, at $3.9 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 | $2.5M | 8 t |
| 2023 | $2.7M | 10 t |
| 2022 | $2.6M | 10 t |
| 2021 | $2.4M | 9 t |
| 2020 | $3.9M | 13 t |
| 2019 | $3.5M | 13 t |
| 2018 | $3.9M | 11 t |
| 2017 | $2.9M | 8 t |
Where South Africa imports opium alkaloids from
Spain alone supplied 75% of it. Among the main suppliers, Italy grew fastest (+70% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Spain | $1.9M | 75% |
| Australia | $251K | 9.9% |
| Israel | $165K | 6.5% |
| Italy | $152K | 6% |
| United Kingdom | $31K | 1.2% |
| India | $17K | 0.7% |
| Germany | $7K | 0.3% |
| Czech Republic | $5K | 0.2% |
| United States | $5K | 0.2% |
| France | $4K | 0.2% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $305.71 per kg, 37% below the world average of $485.56, 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.
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa opium alkaloids imports (HS 2939.11): 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 2939.11: Alkaloids: of opium and their derivatives: salts thereof.
Common questions
What is the value of opium alkaloids imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported opium alkaloids worth $2.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 8 tonnes. That ranks it 23rd of 141 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was down 6% on 2023.
Which countries supply opium alkaloids to South Africa?
Spain was the largest supplier with 75% of the value ($1.9 million), followed by Australia (10%) and Israel (6%). The top three together account for 91%, out of 12 supplier countries in total. Germany grew fastest among the top ten, up 357% on the year.
What is the average import price of opium alkaloids per kg?
The average declared import value was about $305.71 per kg in 2024, 37% below the world average of $485.56 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of opium alkaloids to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $2.9 million in 2017 to $2.5 million in 2024, a fall of 11%. The peak was 2020 at $3.9 million. Over 8 years the average was $3.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for opium alkaloids?
The HS code for opium alkaloids is subheading 2939.11. It sits in HS chapter 29 (organic chemicals). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2939 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
The totals here are public statistics; EximDataX adds the company names by reading partner countries' customs records for South Africa. Tell us your product to see it live.
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