Pepper and chili imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of pepper and chili by South Africa reached $54.4 million in 2024 (18.1 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value rose 33% on 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
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 | $54.4M | 18.1K t |
| 2023 | $40.8M | 13.9K t |
| 2022 | $44.9M | 15.2K t |
| 2021 | $40.9M | 15.5K t |
| 2020 | $37.1M | 15.1K t |
| 2019 | $29.8M | 11.8K t |
| 2018 | $32.8M | 11.1K t |
| 2017 | $42.2M | 14.2K t |
Where South Africa imports pepper and chili from
The largest suppliers were Vietnam (29%), China (24%), India (13%). Among the main suppliers, Zambia grew fastest (+91% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Vietnam | $15.9M | 29% |
| China | $13.3M | 25% |
| India | $7.1M | 13% |
| Spain | $3.9M | 7.2% |
| Zambia | $3.4M | 6.2% |
| Thailand | $3.4M | 6.2% |
| Zimbabwe | $2.1M | 3.9% |
| Brazil | $2.1M | 3.9% |
| Germany | $655K | 1.2% |
| Madagascar | $566K | 1% |
Product types under HS 0904
| 0904.22 | Spices: fruits of the genus Capsicum or Pimenta, crushed or ground | 41% |
| 0904.12 | Spices: pepper (of the genus piper), crushed or ground | 24% |
| 0904.11 | Spices: pepper (of the genus piper), neither crushed nor ground | 22% |
| 0904.21 | Spices: fruits of the genus Capsicum or Pimenta, dried, neither crushed nor ground | 13% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 0904.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $3.00 per kg, close to the world average of $3.56.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Pepper and chili exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported pepper and chili worth $20.8 million (3.4 thousand tonnes). Most of it went to United States (22%), Hungary (14%), Australia (12%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 48%. Among the main buyer markets, Hungary grew fastest (+250% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $4.5M | 22% |
| Hungary | $3.0M | 14% |
| Australia | $2.5M | 12% |
| United Kingdom | $2.5M | 12% |
| Japan | $1.6M | 7.8% |
| Spain | $946K | 4.6% |
| Canada | $702K | 3.4% |
| Netherlands | $699K | 3.4% |
| Ireland | $631K | 3% |
| Namibia | $498K | 2.4% |
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 0904: Pepper of the genus piper; dried or crushed or ground fruits of the genus capsicum or of the genus pimenta.
Common questions
What is the value of pepper and chili imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported pepper and chili worth $54.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 18.1 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 26th of 221 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 33% on 2023.
Which countries supply pepper and chili to South Africa?
Vietnam was the largest supplier with 29% of the value ($15.9 million), followed by China (24%) and India (13%). The top three together account for 67%, out of 55 supplier countries in total. Germany grew fastest among the top ten, up 173% on the year.
What is the average import price of pepper and chili per kg?
The average declared import value was about $3.00 per kg in 2024, 16% below the world average of $3.56 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 pepper and chili to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $42.2 million in 2017 to $54.4 million in 2024, an increase of 29%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export pepper and chili?
Yes. South Africa exported $20.8 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the United States, Hungary and Australia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $33.6 million a year.
What is the HS code for pepper and chili?
The HS code for pepper and chili is heading 0904. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 0904.22 (41% of the value) and 0904.12 (24%). It sits in HS chapter 09 (coffee, tea, mate and spices). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 0904 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.
More trade data for South Africa
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