Protein derivative imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $45.4 million of protein derivative in 2024 (17.1 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is close to the 2023 level. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2022, at $60.5 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 | $45.4M | 17.1K t |
| 2023 | $45.5M | 15.2K t |
| 2022 | $60.5M | 16.5K t |
| 2021 | $48.9M | 15.1K t |
| 2020 | $40.1M | 15.1K t |
| 2019 | $34.9M | 15.5K t |
| 2018 | $35.6M | 15.0K t |
| 2017 | $31.7M | 13.8K t |
Where South Africa imports protein derivative from
China alone supplied 77% of it.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $34.8M | 77% |
| Brazil | $3.8M | 8.3% |
| Italy | $1.7M | 3.8% |
| France | $1.2M | 2.6% |
| India | $955K | 2.1% |
| Netherlands | $730K | 1.6% |
| Germany | $614K | 1.4% |
| Sweden | $556K | 1.2% |
| United States | $341K | 0.8% |
| Lithuania | $254K | 0.6% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.66 per kg, 55% below the world average of $5.93, 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.
Protein derivative exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported protein derivative worth $2.4 million (475 tonnes). One buyer market dominates: Angola accounted for 58% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, Angola grew fastest (+681% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Angola | $1.4M | 58% |
| Botswana | $335K | 14% |
| Zambia | $161K | 6.6% |
| Namibia | $93K | 3.8% |
| Canada | $58K | 2.4% |
| Mauritius | $53K | 2.2% |
| Germany | $46K | 1.9% |
| Seychelles | $39K | 1.6% |
| Tanzania | $31K | 1.3% |
| Zimbabwe | $31K | 1.3% |
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 3504: Peptones and their derivatives; other protein substances and their derivatives n.e.c. or included; hide powder, whether or not chromed.
Common questions
What is the value of protein derivative imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported protein derivative worth $45.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 17.1 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 25th of 178 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was down 0% on 2023.
Which countries supply protein derivative to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 77% of the value ($34.8 million), followed by Brazil (8%) and Italy (4%). The top three together account for 89%, out of 37 supplier countries in total. Lithuania grew fastest among the top ten, up 261% on the year.
What is the average import price of protein derivative per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.66 per kg in 2024, 55% below the world average of $5.93 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 protein derivative to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $31.7 million in 2017 to $45.4 million in 2024, an increase of 43%. The peak was 2022 at $60.5 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export protein derivative?
Yes. South Africa exported $2.4 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Angola, Botswana and Zambia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $43.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for protein derivative?
The HS code for protein derivative is heading 3504. In South Africa all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 3504.00. It sits in HS chapter 35 (albuminoidal substances; modified starches; glues; enzymes). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3504 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.
Same product, other countries
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