Pseudoephedrine medicines (packaged) exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, South Africa exported pseudoephedrine medicines (packaged) worth $10.3 million (466 tonnes). That makes it the 8th largest exporter of this product worldwide, out of 69 countries. Value fell 9% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 53% a year on average.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
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Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $10.3M | 466 t |
| 2023 | $11.3M | 252 t |
| 2022 | $4.3M | 164 t |
| 2021 | $3.0M | 50 t |
| 2020 | $2.2M | 27 t |
| 2019 | $4.8M | 32 t |
| 2018 | $3.7M | 1 t |
| 2017 | $535K | 2 t |
Where South Africa exports pseudoephedrine medicines (packaged) to
The largest buyer markets were Australia (47%), Zimbabwe (19%), Mauritius (7%). Among the main buyer markets, Botswana grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | $4.9M | 47% |
| Zimbabwe | $1.9M | 19% |
| Mauritius | $673K | 6.5% |
| Botswana | $643K | 6.2% |
| New Zealand | $489K | 4.7% |
| Zambia | $335K | 3.3% |
| Namibia | $307K | 3% |
| Mozambique | $300K | 2.9% |
| Tanzania | $169K | 1.6% |
| Kenya | $133K | 1.3% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $22.17 per kg, 61% below the world average of $56.56, 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.
Pseudoephedrine medicines (packaged) imports to South Africa
South Africa imported $3.8 million of pseudoephedrine medicines (packaged) in 2024 (49 tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. The largest suppliers were Italy (46%), Germany (32%), France (9%). Among the main suppliers, Canada grew fastest (+811% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Italy | $1.7M | 46% |
| Germany | $1.2M | 32% |
| France | $343K | 9.1% |
| Canada | $232K | 6.2% |
| Spain | $159K | 4.2% |
| Uruguay | $90K | 2.4% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa pseudoephedrine medicines (packaged) exports (HS 3004.42): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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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 3004.42: Medicaments: containing alkaloids or their derivatives, containing pseudoephedrine (INN) or its salts, for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, packaged for retail sale.
Common questions
What is the value of pseudoephedrine medicines (packaged) exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported pseudoephedrine medicines (packaged) worth $10.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 466 tonnes. That ranks it 8th of 69 countries worldwide, with 3% of world exports. The value was down 9% on 2023.
Which countries buy pseudoephedrine medicines (packaged) from South Africa?
Australia was the largest buyer with 47% of the value ($4.9 million), followed by Zimbabwe (19%) and Mauritius (7%). The top three together account for 73%, out of 18 buyer countries in total. Namibia grew fastest among the top ten, up 497% on the year.
What is the average export price of pseudoephedrine medicines (packaged) per kg?
The average declared export value was about $22.17 per kg in 2024, 61% below the world average of $56.56 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have exports of pseudoephedrine medicines (packaged) from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $535 thousand in 2017 to $10.3 million in 2024. The peak was 2023 at $11.3 million. Over 8 years the average was $5.0 million a year.
Does South Africa also import pseudoephedrine medicines (packaged)?
Yes. South Africa imported $3.8 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Italy, Germany and France. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $6.6 million a year.
What is the HS code for pseudoephedrine medicines (packaged)?
The HS code for pseudoephedrine medicines (packaged) is subheading 3004.42. It sits in HS chapter 30 (pharmaceutical products). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3004 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
World pseudoephedrine medicines (packaged) trade: top importers and exporters
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