Plant alkaloids (other) imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $5.5 million of plant alkaloids (other) in 2024 (26 tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value rose 71% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 14% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2019, at $13.3 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 | $5.5M | 27 t |
| 2023 | $3.2M | 17 t |
| 2022 | $2.2M | 10 t |
| 2021 | $1.6M | 6 t |
| 2020 | $2.1M | 2 t |
| 2019 | $13.3M | 4 t |
| 2018 | $2.1M | 2 t |
| 2017 | $2.2M | 294 t |
Where South Africa imports plant alkaloids (other) from
Most of the value came from China (33%), Spain (28%), Netherlands (9%). Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+108% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $1.8M | 33% |
| Spain | $1.6M | 28% |
| Netherlands | $466K | 8.5% |
| Poland | $429K | 7.8% |
| India | $416K | 7.6% |
| Italy | $299K | 5.5% |
| Australia | $139K | 2.5% |
| Ecuador | $98K | 1.8% |
| Germany | $87K | 1.6% |
| Sweden | $48K | 0.9% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $206.49 per kg, 49% above the world average of $138.58. This usually points to higher-grade or processed goods.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Plant alkaloids (other) exports from South Africa
Exports of plant alkaloids (other) by South Africa reached $504 thousand in 2024 (8 tonnes). United States alone took 61% of it. Among the main buyer markets, United States grew fastest (+158% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $307K | 61% |
| United Kingdom | $183K | 36% |
| Bhutan | $9K | 1.8% |
| Namibia | $3K | 0.7% |
| Madagascar | $1K | 0.1% |
| Belgium | $0K | 0.1% |
| Lesotho | $0K | 0% |
| Mauritius | $0K | 0% |
| Rwanda | $0K | 0% |
| Botswana | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa plant alkaloids (other) imports (HS 2939.79): 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 2939.79: Alkaloids: of vegetal origin, other than cocaine, ecgonine, levometamfetamine, metamfetamine (INN), metamfetamine racemate: salts, esters and other derivatives: n.e.c. in heading no. 2939.
Common questions
What is the value of plant alkaloids (other) imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported plant alkaloids (other) worth $5.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 26 tonnes. That ranks it 27th of 132 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 71% on 2023.
Which countries supply plant alkaloids (other) to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 33% of the value ($1.8 million), followed by Spain (28%) and the Netherlands (9%). The top three together account for 70%, out of 27 supplier countries in total. China grew fastest among the top ten, up 108% on the year.
What is the average import price of plant alkaloids (other) per kg?
The average declared import value was about $206.49 per kg in 2024, 49% above the world average of $138.58 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of plant alkaloids (other) to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $2.2 million in 2017 to $5.5 million in 2024, an increase of 151%. The peak was 2019 at $13.3 million. Over 8 years the average was $4.0 million a year.
Does South Africa also export plant alkaloids (other)?
Yes. South Africa exported $504 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the United States, the United Kingdom and Bhutan. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $5.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for plant alkaloids (other)?
The HS code for plant alkaloids (other) is subheading 2939.79. 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?
EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, so the companies shipping to and from it are visible. Ask for a live look at your product.
Same product, other countries
World plant alkaloids (other) trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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