Vitamin A (unmixed) imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of vitamin a (unmixed) by South Africa reached $10.0 million in 2024 (543 tonnes). Its share of world imports was 2%. That is 11% more than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2018, at $21.8 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 | $10.0M | 543 t |
| 2023 | $9.0M | 386 t |
| 2022 | $15.6M | 495 t |
| 2021 | $16.8M | 451 t |
| 2020 | $17.2M | 455 t |
| 2019 | $19.4M | 458 t |
| 2018 | $21.8M | 394 t |
| 2017 | $10.5M | 356 t |
Where South Africa imports vitamin a (unmixed) from
The largest suppliers were China (32%), Germany (19%), Switzerland (16%). Among the main suppliers, Denmark grew fastest (+114% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $3.2M | 32% |
| Germany | $1.9M | 19% |
| Switzerland | $1.6M | 16% |
| France | $1.5M | 15% |
| Denmark | $789K | 7.9% |
| Vietnam | $411K | 4.1% |
| United States | $278K | 2.8% |
| Spain | $67K | 0.7% |
| Ireland | $35K | 0.4% |
| Hong Kong | $35K | 0.3% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $18.48 per kg, 40% below the world average of $30.81, 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.
Vitamin A (unmixed) exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $3.7 million of vitamin a (unmixed) in 2024 (358 tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. The largest buyer markets were Zimbabwe (26%), Mozambique (22%), Zambia (19%). Among the main buyer markets, Zimbabwe grew fastest (+69% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $955K | 26% |
| Mozambique | $794K | 22% |
| Zambia | $713K | 20% |
| Malawi | $469K | 13% |
| Angola | $443K | 12% |
| Saint Helena | $112K | 3.1% |
| Uganda | $85K | 2.3% |
| Lesotho | $36K | 1% |
| Kenya | $15K | 0.4% |
| Eswatini | $14K | 0.4% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa vitamin a (unmixed) imports (HS 2936.21): 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 2936.21: Vitamins: vitamins A and their derivatives, unmixed.
Common questions
What is the value of vitamin a (unmixed) imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported vitamin a (unmixed) worth $10.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 543 tonnes. That ranks it 21st of 170 countries worldwide, with 2% of world imports. The value was up 11% on 2023.
Which countries supply vitamin a (unmixed) to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 32% of the value ($3.2 million), followed by Germany (19%) and Switzerland (16%). The top three together account for 67%, out of 25 supplier countries in total. Denmark grew fastest among the top ten, up 114% on the year.
What is the average import price of vitamin a (unmixed) per kg?
The average declared import value was about $18.48 per kg in 2024, 40% below the world average of $30.81 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of vitamin a (unmixed) to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $10.5 million in 2017 to $10.0 million in 2024, a fall of 5%. The peak was 2018 at $21.8 million. Over 8 years the average was $15.0 million a year.
Does South Africa also export vitamin a (unmixed)?
Yes. South Africa exported $3.7 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Zambia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $6.4 million a year.
What is the HS code for vitamin a (unmixed)?
The HS code for vitamin a (unmixed) is subheading 2936.21. It sits in HS chapter 29 (organic chemicals). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2936 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 vitamin a (unmixed) trade: top importers and exporters
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