Unsaturated fatty acids imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported unsaturated fatty acids worth $4.1 million (1.9 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 2%. Value fell 29% from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2023, at $5.7 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 | $4.1M | 1.9K t |
| 2023 | $5.7M | 1.7K t |
| 2022 | $3.5M | 1.5K t |
| 2021 | $5.5M | 2.8K t |
| 2020 | $4.1M | 2.5K t |
| 2019 | $4.2M | 2.6K t |
| 2018 | $4.5M | 2.6K t |
| 2017 | $4.6M | 2.8K t |
Where South Africa imports unsaturated fatty acids from
One supplier dominates: India accounted for 74% of the value. Among the main suppliers, Malaysia grew fastest (+350% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $3.0M | 74% |
| Malaysia | $376K | 9.2% |
| Taiwan | $319K | 7.8% |
| China | $115K | 2.8% |
| Belgium | $65K | 1.6% |
| United States | $61K | 1.5% |
| Germany | $44K | 1.1% |
| South Korea | $31K | 0.8% |
| United Kingdom | $17K | 0.4% |
| Spain | $13K | 0.3% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.17 per kg, 24% below the world average of $2.86, 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.
Unsaturated fatty acids exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported unsaturated fatty acids worth $408 thousand (199 tonnes). One buyer market dominates: Zambia accounted for 82% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, Zambia grew fastest (+655% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zambia | $336K | 82% |
| Senegal | $29K | 7.2% |
| Zimbabwe | $12K | 3% |
| Egypt | $10K | 2.5% |
| Malawi | $6K | 1.6% |
| Germany | $6K | 1.5% |
| New Zealand | $5K | 1.2% |
| Kenya | $1K | 0.3% |
| Mozambique | $1K | 0.2% |
| Mauritius | $1K | 0.1% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa unsaturated fatty acids imports (HS 2916.15): 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 2916.15: Acids: unsaturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids: oleic, linoleic or linolenic acids, their salts and esters.
Common questions
What is the value of unsaturated fatty acids imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported unsaturated fatty acids worth $4.1 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.9 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 16th of 142 countries worldwide, with 2% of world imports. The value was down 29% on 2023.
Which countries supply unsaturated fatty acids to South Africa?
India was the largest supplier with 74% of the value ($3.0 million), followed by Malaysia (9%) and Taiwan (8%). The top three together account for 91%, out of 17 supplier countries in total. Malaysia grew fastest among the top ten, up 350% on the year.
What is the average import price of unsaturated fatty acids per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.17 per kg in 2024, 24% below the world average of $2.86 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of unsaturated fatty acids to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $4.6 million in 2017 to $4.1 million in 2024, a fall of 12%. The peak was 2023 at $5.7 million. Over 8 years the average was $4.5 million a year.
Does South Africa also export unsaturated fatty acids?
Yes. South Africa exported $408 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zambia, Senegal and Zimbabwe. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $3.7 million a year.
What is the HS code for unsaturated fatty acids?
The HS code for unsaturated fatty acids is subheading 2916.15. It sits in HS chapter 29 (organic chemicals). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2916 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 unsaturated fatty acids trade: top importers and exporters
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