Spice seeds imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $20.5 million of spice seeds in 2024 (10.2 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 28% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 11% a year on average.
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 | $20.5M | 10.2K t |
| 2023 | $16.0M | 7.3K t |
| 2022 | $15.4M | 7.9K t |
| 2021 | $13.9M | 7.5K t |
| 2020 | $15.0M | 9.7K t |
| 2019 | $12.6M | 8.1K t |
| 2018 | $10.8M | 7.5K t |
| 2017 | $9.9M | 6.4K t |
Where South Africa imports spice seeds from
India alone supplied 59% of it. Among the main suppliers, Morocco grew fastest (+740% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $12.0M | 59% |
| Vietnam | $1.1M | 5.5% |
| Russia | $1.1M | 5.3% |
| Egypt | $880K | 4.3% |
| Bulgaria | $859K | 4.2% |
| Morocco | $767K | 3.7% |
| Serbia | $406K | 2% |
| Germany | $392K | 1.9% |
| Romania | $349K | 1.7% |
| Argentina | $322K | 1.6% |
Product types under HS 0909
| 0909.32 | Spices: cumin seeds, crushed or ground | 25% |
| 0909.21 | Spices: coriander seeds, neither crushed nor ground | 20% |
| 0909.22 | Spices: coriander seeds, crushed or ground | 20% |
| 0909.31 | Spices: cumin seeds, neither crushed nor ground | 17% |
| 0909.61 | Spices: seeds of anise, badian, caraway or fennel: juniper berries, neither crushed nor ground | 16% |
| 0909.62 | Spices: seeds of anise, badian, caraway or fennel: juniper berries, crushed or ground | 3.7% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 0909.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.01 per kg, close to the world average of $2.46.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Spice seeds exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $384 thousand of spice seeds in 2024 (109 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Zimbabwe (22%), Australia (18%), Botswana (9%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 49%. Among the main buyer markets, Australia grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $86K | 22% |
| Australia | $68K | 18% |
| Botswana | $34K | 8.8% |
| Nigeria | $24K | 6.3% |
| Switzerland | $23K | 6% |
| Zambia | $19K | 4.9% |
| Namibia | $17K | 4.3% |
| Kenya | $16K | 4.2% |
| United States | $15K | 4% |
| Canada | $13K | 3.3% |
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 0909: Seeds of anise, badian, fennel, coriander, cumin, caraway or juniper.
Common questions
What is the value of spice seeds imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported spice seeds worth $20.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 10.2 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 24th of 213 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 28% on 2023.
Which countries supply spice seeds to South Africa?
India was the largest supplier with 59% of the value ($12.0 million), followed by Vietnam (5%) and Russia (5%). The top three together account for 69%, out of 42 supplier countries in total. Morocco grew fastest among the top ten, up 740% on the year.
What is the average import price of spice seeds per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.01 per kg in 2024, 18% below the world average of $2.46 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 spice seeds to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $9.9 million in 2017 to $20.5 million in 2024, an increase of 108%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export spice seeds?
Yes. South Africa exported $384 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zimbabwe, Australia and Botswana. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $20.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for spice seeds?
The HS code for spice seeds is heading 0909. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 0909.32 (25% of the value) and 0909.21 (20%). It sits in HS chapter 09 (coffee, tea, mate and spices). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 0909 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.
More trade data for South Africa
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