Starch imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $26.8 million of starch in 2024 (41.6 thousand tonnes). Value rose 24% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 12% 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 | $26.8M | 41.6K t |
| 2023 | $21.6M | 43.8K t |
| 2022 | $19.6M | 28.7K t |
| 2021 | $20.3M | 37.3K t |
| 2020 | $16.0M | 29.7K t |
| 2019 | $16.0M | 38.4K t |
| 2018 | $14.9M | 26.4K t |
| 2017 | $12.3M | 27.3K t |
Where South Africa imports starch from
Most of the value came from Thailand (30%), Vietnam (11%), Brazil (9%). Among the main suppliers, Brazil grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Thailand | $8.0M | 30% |
| Vietnam | $2.9M | 11% |
| Brazil | $2.5M | 9.4% |
| Turkey | $2.0M | 7.4% |
| Netherlands | $1.4M | 5.3% |
| Australia | $1.2M | 4.3% |
| India | $1.1M | 4.2% |
| Poland | $1.1M | 4.1% |
| Pakistan | $964K | 3.6% |
| Belgium | $855K | 3.2% |
Product types under HS 1108
| 1108.14 | Starch: manioc (cassava) | 51% |
| 1108.12 | Starch: maize (corn) starch | 20% |
| 1108.13 | Starch: potato | 18% |
| 1108.11 | Starch: wheat | 7.3% |
| 1108.20 | Inulin | 2.8% |
| 1108.19 | Starch: n.e.c. in item no. 1108.11 to 1108.14 | 0.9% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 1108.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.64 per kg, close to the world average of $0.63.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Starch exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported starch worth $24.8 million (34.9 thousand tonnes). Most of it went to Taiwan (21%), Zimbabwe (13%), Australia (11%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 45%. Among the main buyer markets, United Arab Emirates grew fastest (+63% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Taiwan | $5.1M | 21% |
| Zimbabwe | $3.2M | 13% |
| Australia | $2.8M | 11% |
| United Arab Emirates | $2.2M | 9.1% |
| Namibia | $1.9M | 7.6% |
| Zambia | $1.6M | 6.5% |
| Philippines | $1.4M | 5.8% |
| Vietnam | $1.2M | 4.7% |
| Eswatini | $845K | 3.4% |
| Israel | $827K | 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 1108: Starches; inulin.
Common questions
What is the value of starch imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported starch worth $26.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 41.6 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 33rd of 217 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 24% on 2023.
Which countries supply starch to South Africa?
Thailand was the largest supplier with 30% of the value ($8.0 million), followed by Vietnam (11%) and Brazil (9%). The top three together account for 50%, out of 47 supplier countries in total. Turkey grew fastest among the top ten, up 115% on the year.
What is the average import price of starch per kg?
The average declared import value was about $0.64 per kg in 2024, close to the world average of $0.63 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 starch to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $12.3 million in 2017 to $26.8 million in 2024, an increase of 118%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export starch?
Yes. South Africa exported $24.8 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Taiwan, Zimbabwe and Australia. That compares with imports of $26.8 million in the same year.
What is the HS code for starch?
The HS code for starch is heading 1108. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 1108.14 (51% of the value) and 1108.12 (20%). It sits in HS chapter 11 (products of the milling industry; malt, starches, inulin, wheat gluten). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 1108 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.
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