Peppercorns imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported peppercorns worth $12.1 million (2.3 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 13% more than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2017, at $16.1 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 | $12.1M | 2.3K t |
| 2023 | $10.7M | 2.4K t |
| 2022 | $11.4M | 2.3K t |
| 2021 | $13.1M | 3.4K t |
| 2020 | $9.6M | 2.8K t |
| 2019 | $8.4M | 2.8K t |
| 2018 | $9.1M | 1.4K t |
| 2017 | $16.1M | 3.6K t |
Where South Africa imports peppercorns from
Vietnam alone supplied 78% of it. Among the main suppliers, Vietnam grew fastest (+31% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Vietnam | $9.5M | 78% |
| Brazil | $673K | 5.6% |
| Madagascar | $376K | 3.1% |
| Mexico | $374K | 3.1% |
| India | $317K | 2.6% |
| Indonesia | $213K | 1.8% |
| Zimbabwe | $200K | 1.7% |
| Zambia | $162K | 1.3% |
| China | $92K | 0.8% |
| Tanzania | $71K | 0.6% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $5.35 per kg, close to the world average of $5.34.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Peppercorns exports from South Africa
Exports of peppercorns by South Africa reached $11.8 million in 2024 (1.4 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. The largest buyer markets were United States (34%), Australia (15%), Japan (14%). Among the main buyer markets, Ireland grew fastest (+70% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $4.1M | 35% |
| Australia | $1.8M | 15% |
| Japan | $1.6M | 14% |
| Canada | $684K | 5.8% |
| United Kingdom | $636K | 5.4% |
| Ireland | $627K | 5.3% |
| Netherlands | $524K | 4.5% |
| South Korea | $201K | 1.7% |
| Belgium | $194K | 1.7% |
| Namibia | $172K | 1.5% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa peppercorns imports (HS 0904.11): 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 0904.11: Spices: pepper (of the genus piper), neither crushed nor ground.
Common questions
What is the value of peppercorns imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported peppercorns worth $12.1 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 2.3 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 31st of 213 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 13% on 2023.
Which countries supply peppercorns to South Africa?
Vietnam was the largest supplier with 78% of the value ($9.5 million), followed by Brazil (6%) and Madagascar (3%). The top three together account for 87%, out of 32 supplier countries in total. Zimbabwe grew fastest among the top ten, up 371% on the year.
What is the average import price of peppercorns per kg?
The average declared import value was about $5.35 per kg in 2024, close to the world average of $5.34 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of peppercorns to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $16.1 million in 2017 to $12.1 million in 2024, a fall of 25%. The peak was 2017 at $16.1 million. Over 8 years the average was $11.3 million a year.
Does South Africa also export peppercorns?
Yes. South Africa exported $11.8 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the United States, Australia and Japan. That compares with imports of $12.1 million in the same year.
What is the HS code for peppercorns?
The HS code for peppercorns is subheading 0904.11. 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?
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.
Same product, other countries
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