Sterols and inositols imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported sterols and inositols worth $2.0 million (180 tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value fell 43% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 28% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2023, at $3.6 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
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Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $2.0M | 180 t |
| 2023 | $3.6M | 268 t |
| 2022 | $2.4M | 90 t |
| 2021 | $828K | 108 t |
| 2020 | $765K | 72 t |
| 2019 | $764K | 65 t |
| 2018 | $827K | 58 t |
| 2017 | $364K | 28 t |
Where South Africa imports sterols and inositols from
China alone supplied 64% of it. Among the main suppliers, Germany grew fastest (+52% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $1.3M | 64% |
| Japan | $504K | 25% |
| Germany | $126K | 6.2% |
| Poland | $56K | 2.7% |
| United States | $54K | 2.7% |
| Netherlands | $2K | 0.1% |
| France | $0K | 0% |
| Spain | $0K | 0% |
| United Kingdom | $0K | 0% |
| Switzerland | $0K | 0% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $11.34 per kg, 21% below the world average of $14.43, 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.
Sterols and inositols exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported sterols and inositols worth $273 thousand (2 tonnes). Most of it went to Greece (42%), Canada (34%), United Kingdom (7%). Among the main buyer markets, Canada grew fastest (+114% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Greece | $115K | 42% |
| Canada | $94K | 34% |
| United Kingdom | $20K | 7.2% |
| Spain | $19K | 7.1% |
| Luxembourg | $14K | 5% |
| Taiwan | $11K | 3.9% |
| Kenya | $0K | 0.1% |
| Botswana | $0K | 0.1% |
| Eswatini | $0K | 0.1% |
| Tanzania | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa sterols and inositols imports (HS 2906.13): 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 2906.13: Alcohols: cyclanic, cyclenic or cycloterpenic and derivatives, sterols and inositols.
Common questions
What is the value of sterols and inositols imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported sterols and inositols worth $2.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 180 tonnes. That ranks it 29th of 135 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was down 43% on 2023.
Which countries supply sterols and inositols to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 64% of the value ($1.3 million), followed by Japan (25%) and Germany (6%). The top three together account for 95%, out of 11 supplier countries in total. Poland grew fastest among the top ten, up 598% on the year.
What is the average import price of sterols and inositols per kg?
The average declared import value was about $11.34 per kg in 2024, 21% below the world average of $14.43 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of sterols and inositols to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $364 thousand in 2017 to $2.0 million in 2024, an increase of 460%. The peak was 2023 at $3.6 million. Over 8 years the average was $1.4 million a year.
Does South Africa also export sterols and inositols?
Yes. South Africa exported $273 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Greece, Canada and the United Kingdom. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $1.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for sterols and inositols?
The HS code for sterols and inositols is subheading 2906.13. It sits in HS chapter 29 (organic chemicals). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2906 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
For South Africa, EximDataX reads the shipment records of the countries that trade with it and shows the companies on both sides. We can walk you through your product on a short call.
Same product, other countries
World sterols and inositols trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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