Sorbitol formulation imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of sorbitol formulation by South Africa reached $3.4 million in 2024 (5.1 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value fell 9% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 12% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2022, at $4.7 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 | $3.4M | 5.1K t |
| 2023 | $3.7M | 4.4K t |
| 2022 | $4.7M | 6.2K t |
| 2021 | $2.3M | 4.2K t |
| 2020 | $2.3M | 4.1K t |
| 2019 | $1.5M | 2.9K t |
| 2018 | $656K | 1.1K t |
| 2017 | $1.6M | 2.8K t |
Where South Africa imports sorbitol formulation from
Indonesia alone supplied 56% of it.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Indonesia | $1.9M | 56% |
| China | $624K | 19% |
| France | $320K | 9.5% |
| Netherlands | $276K | 8.2% |
| India | $132K | 3.9% |
| United Kingdom | $60K | 1.8% |
| Turkey | $58K | 1.7% |
| South Korea | $8K | 0.2% |
| Spain | $1K | 0% |
| Hong Kong | $0K | 0% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.67 per kg, 22% below the world average of $0.86, 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.
Sorbitol formulation exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $295 thousand of sorbitol formulation in 2024 (149 tonnes). DR Congo alone took 63% of it. Among the main buyer markets, Namibia grew fastest (+218% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| DR Congo | $187K | 63% |
| Zimbabwe | $28K | 9.6% |
| Botswana | $18K | 6.2% |
| Namibia | $17K | 5.8% |
| China | $16K | 5.2% |
| Zambia | $8K | 2.8% |
| Kenya | $8K | 2.7% |
| Nigeria | $7K | 2.2% |
| Malawi | $3K | 1.2% |
| Burkina Faso | $1K | 0.5% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa sorbitol formulation imports (HS 3824.60): 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 3824.60: Sorbitol: other than that of subheading no. 2905.44.
Common questions
What is the value of sorbitol formulation imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported sorbitol formulation worth $3.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 5.1 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 27th of 156 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was down 9% on 2023.
Which countries supply sorbitol formulation to South Africa?
Indonesia was the largest supplier with 56% of the value ($1.9 million), followed by China (18%) and France (9%). The top three together account for 84%, out of 10 supplier countries in total. Spain grew fastest among the top ten, up 98% on the year.
What is the average import price of sorbitol formulation per kg?
The average declared import value was about $0.67 per kg in 2024, 22% below the world average of $0.86 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of sorbitol formulation to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $1.6 million in 2017 to $3.4 million in 2024, an increase of 115%. The peak was 2022 at $4.7 million. Over 8 years the average was $2.5 million a year.
Does South Africa also export sorbitol formulation?
Yes. South Africa exported $295 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the DR Congo, Zimbabwe and Botswana. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $3.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for sorbitol formulation?
The HS code for sorbitol formulation is subheading 3824.60. It sits in HS chapter 38 (chemical products n.e.c.). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3824 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 sorbitol formulation trade: top importers and exporters
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