Derived Products
Plant-Based Cheese, Protein Pudding
HS Code
130231
Last Updated
2026-06-09
Key takeaways for search and sourcing teams
- South Africa Agar market intelligence page includes 0 premium suppliers.
- 5 sampled export transactions for South Africa are summarized.
- 12 export partner companies and 14 import partner companies are mapped for Agar in South Africa.
- Wholesale sample entries: 0; farmgate sample entries: 0.
- 5 export partner countries and 0 import partner countries are ranked.
- Latest reference year in this page dataset is 2024.
- Page data last updated on 2026-06-09.
Agar Export Supplier Intelligence, Price Trends, and Trade Flows in South Africa
12 export partner companies are tracked for Agar in South Africa. Use Supply Chain Intelligence company profiles and analytics to validate exporter coverage, partner quality, and route priorities.
Explore Agar export intelligence in South Africa, including 5 sampled supplier transactions, monthly unit-price ranges, and partner-country trade flow patterns for HS Code 130231.
Scatter points are sampled from 100.0% of the full transaction dataset.
Sample Export Supplier Transaction Records for Agar in South Africa
5 sampled Agar transactions in South Africa include date, origin, and partner-country context to benchmark export prices and supplier trading patterns.
Agar sampled transaction unit prices by date in South Africa: 2026-02-17: 33.35 USD / kg, 2026-01-20: 4.62 USD / kg, 2025-11-05: 12.33 USD / kg, 2025-08-12: 220.00 USD / kg, 2025-07-29: 387.44 USD / kg.
| Date | Reported Product | Unit Price | Exporter | Importer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-02-17 | AGA* **** | 33.35 USD / kg | (South Africa) | (Malawi) | |
| 2026-01-20 | YEA** *** ***** ***** ****** | 4.62 USD / kg | (South Africa) | (Lesotho) | |
| 2025-11-05 | AGA* **** ************* | 12.33 USD / kg | (South Africa) | (Lesotho) | |
| 2025-08-12 | AGA**** ****** | 220.00 USD / kg | (South Africa) | (Lesotho) | |
| 2025-07-29 | MRS **** ***** ***** | 387.44 USD / kg | (South Africa) | (Malawi) |
Top Agar Export Suppliers and Companies in South Africa
Review leading exporter profiles and benchmark them against 12 total export partner companies tracked for Agar in South Africa. Use Supply Chain Intelligence company profiles and analytics to shortlist sourcing and export partners faster.
(South Africa)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-05-09
Industries: Food ManufacturingFood Services And Drinking PlacesFood Wholesalers
Value Chain Roles: Distribution / WholesaleRetailTrade
(South Africa)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-05-09
Industries: Food Manufacturing
Value Chain Roles: Distribution / Wholesale
(South Africa)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-05-09
Industries: Food ManufacturingFood WholesalersOnline Retail And Fulfillment
Value Chain Roles: Distribution / WholesaleFood ManufacturingTrade
(South Africa)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-05-09
Industries: Others
Value Chain Roles: Distribution / WholesaleTrade
(South Africa)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-05-09
Industries: Food ManufacturingOthers
Value Chain Roles: Distribution / WholesaleTrade
(South Africa)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-05-09
Industries: Food PackagingOthers
Value Chain Roles: Distribution / WholesaleOthers
South Africa Export Partner Coverage
12 companies
Total export partner company count is a core signal of South Africa export network depth for Agar.
Exporters and importers can open Supply Chain Intelligence company profiles and analytics to assess Agar partner concentration, capacity signals, and trade relevance in South Africa.
Annual Export Value, Volume, and Supplier Market Size for Agar in South Africa (HS Code 130231)
Analyze 3 years of Agar export volume and value in South Africa to evaluate supplier market growth, seasonality, and trade volatility.
| Year | Volume | Value |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1,025 | 29,847 USD |
| 2023 | 5,178 | 26,123 USD |
| 2022 | 8,857 | 53,685 USD |
Top Destination Markets for Agar Exports from South Africa (HS Code 130231) in 2024
For 2024, compare export volume and value across the top 5 destination countries for Agar exports from South Africa.
| Rank | Country | Volume | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Swaziland | 367.696 | 10,705.554 USD |
| 2 | Zambia | 210.255 | 6,121.632 USD |
| 3 | Botswana | 158.466 | 4,613.784 USD |
| 4 | Zimbabwe | 141.788 | 4,128.183 USD |
| 5 | Lesotho | 36.271 | 1,056.039 USD |
Agar Import Buyer Intelligence and Price Signals in South Africa: Buyers, Demand, and Trade Partners
14 import partner companies are tracked for Agar in South Africa. Exporters and importers can use Supply Chain Intelligence company profiles and analytics to analyze buyer demand, partner density, and downstream channels.
Scatter points are sampled from 100.0% of the full transaction dataset.
Sample Import Transaction and Price Records for Agar in South Africa
5 sampled Agar import transactions in South Africa provide date, origin, and trade-country context to benchmark price levels and demand-side trading patterns.
Agar sampled import transaction unit prices by date in South Africa: 2026-04-28: 15.66 USD / kg, 2026-04-12: 31.34 USD / kg, 2026-01-14: 12.67 USD / kg, 2025-12-27: 16.56 USD / kg, 2025-12-06: 15.83 USD / kg.
| Date | Reported Product | Unit Price | Exporter | Importer | Origin | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-04-28 | AGA* **** ****** **** ********* *** | 15.66 USD / kg | (-) | (-) | - | |
| 2026-04-12 | AGA* **** ****** *************** ************ ******** | 31.34 USD / kg | (-) | (-) | - | |
| 2026-01-14 | AGA* **** ****** **** ***** **** *** | 12.67 USD / kg | (-) | (-) | - | |
| 2025-12-27 | AGA* **** ****** **** ***** *** ** | 16.56 USD / kg | (-) | (-) | - | |
| 2025-12-06 | AGA* **** ****** **** ***** ***** | 15.83 USD / kg | (-) | (-) | - |
Top Agar Buyers, Importers, and Demand Partners in South Africa
Review leading buyer profiles and compare them with 14 total import partner companies tracked for Agar in South Africa. Exporters and importers can use Supply Chain Intelligence company profiles and analytics to evaluate demand-side partner fit.
(South Africa)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-05-09
Employee Size: 11 - 50 Employees
Sales Revenue: USD 1M - 5M
Industries: Others
Value Chain Roles: Distribution / Wholesale
(South Africa)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-05-09
Industries: Others
Value Chain Roles: Trade
(South Africa)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-05-09
Industries: Others
Value Chain Roles: Distribution / WholesaleTrade
(South Africa)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-05-09
Industries: Others
Value Chain Roles: Trade
(South Africa)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-05-09
Industries: Others
Value Chain Roles: Distribution / Wholesale
(South Africa)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-05-09
Industries: Others
Value Chain Roles: Distribution / Wholesale
South Africa Import Partner Coverage
14 companies
Import partner company count highlights demand-side visibility for Agar in South Africa.
Use Supply Chain Intelligence analytics and company profiles to identify active Agar importers, distributors, and buyer networks in South Africa.
Annual Import Value, Volume, and Demand Size for Agar in South Africa (HS Code 130231)
Track 2 years of Agar import volume and value in South Africa to assess demand growth and market momentum.
| Year | Volume | Value |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 50,018 | 819,984 USD |
| 2022 | 115,098 | 653,494 USD |
Classification
Product TypeIngredient
Product FormDried (Powder/Flakes)
Industry PositionFood Additive / Hydrocolloid Ingredient
Market
Agar (INS 406) is a seaweed-derived hydrocolloid used as a gelling agent and thickener in South Africa’s food manufacturing sector and in specialty retail applications. Trade data for HS 130231 shows South Africa imports agar-agar, indicating an import-dependent market rather than a significant domestic production base. Market access is primarily shaped by compliance with South Africa’s food additive and labelling regulations administered under the Department of Health framework, including alignment with Codex Alimentarius provisions referenced in South African additive regulations. Import clearance is handled through SARS Customs processes, where documentation and correct tariff classification drive clearance timelines.
Market RoleNet importer (import-dependent food ingredient market)
Domestic RoleFunctional food additive used as a gelling/thickening/stabilizing agent in domestically manufactured foods and in limited retail/foodservice applications
SeasonalityNot seasonal in-market; availability is primarily driven by import lead times and importer inventory management.
Specification
Physical Attributes
- Supplied as strips/flakes/granules/powder; typically odourless or slight characteristic odour (food-grade).
- Moisture protection is a key acceptance factor due to hygroscopic handling risks.
Compositional Metrics
- Functional performance specifications commonly focus on gel formation performance (gel strength) and consistency for the intended application.
- Identity/purity expectations are typically demonstrated through conformance to recognized food additive specifications referenced by Codex/JECFA frameworks.
Supply Chain
Value Chain
- Overseas manufacturer (food-grade agar) -> export documentation -> sea/air freight -> SARS customs clearance -> importer/ingredient distributor -> domestic food manufacturer or specialty retail
Temperature
- Ambient shipment is typical; product protection focuses on keeping the consignment dry and avoiding heat/moisture exposure that can cause caking or quality loss.
Atmosphere Control
- Low humidity and moisture-barrier packaging are important to maintain powder/flakes flowability and performance.
Freight IntensityLow
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighNon-compliance with South Africa’s food additive framework (including requirements tied to Codex GSFA use conditions and identity/purity specifications referenced in South African miscellaneous additives regulations) can block sale and trigger detention or enforcement actions for imported agar (INS 406).Confirm agar (INS 406) use is aligned with Codex GSFA provisions for the intended food category and maintain a technical dossier (specification of identity/purity conformance, GMP statement, and supporting QA documentation) for importer and regulator queries.
Documentation Gap MediumCustoms clearance delays can occur if the Goods Declaration does not align with supporting documents (e.g., invoice, bill of lading, certificate of origin, permits when applicable).Run a pre-arrival document reconciliation checklist and ensure tariff classification support is consistent across commercial and customs documents.
Food Safety MediumAs a seaweed-derived ingredient, agar supply chains can face heightened scrutiny for contaminants covered under food contaminant controls; non-conformance can lead to rejection or recall risk in downstream manufacturing.Use approved suppliers with robust contaminant monitoring programs and retain batch-level QA documentation suitable for South African importer and customer audits.
Logistics MediumPort congestion, inspections, or extended clearance timelines can disrupt manufacturer supply continuity for a typically import-supplied specialty ingredient.Maintain safety stock at importer/distributor level and diversify origin suppliers where feasible.
FAQ
Is agar (INS 406 / E406) generally treated as a permitted food additive reference in South Africa?South Africa’s miscellaneous additives regulations reference Codex GSFA and Codex identity/purity specifications as the basis for permitted use conditions. Agar is listed in the Codex GSFA online database as INS 406, so suppliers typically treat it as an allowed miscellaneous additive provided use conditions and specification compliance are met.
How should agar be declared on labels for foods sold in South Africa?South Africa’s labelling regulations (R.146) require food additives to be indicated in the ingredient list. In certain cases, additives may be declared using functional category names listed in the labelling annexures, so manufacturers should align the ingredient statement with the R.146 requirements for additive declaration.
Is agar (E406) considered Halal-relevant in South Africa?SANHA (South African National Halaal Authority) lists E406 (agar-agar) as Halaal and seaweed-sourced. For Halal-labelled finished foods, buyers may still request supporting Halal assurance documentation aligned with their certification body requirements.
Other Agar Country Markets for Supplier, Export, and Price Comparison from South Africa
Compare Agar supplier coverage, trade flows, and price benchmarks across countries related to South Africa.
All related country market pages: China, Indonesia, Japan, Spain, Philippines, United States, Chile, South Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, Germany, India, Russia, Denmark, Vietnam, Brazil, Netherlands, Ukraine, Belgium, Italy, France, United Kingdom, Peru, Singapore, Australia, Switzerland, Austria, Kazakhstan, Turkiye, Uzbekistan, Poland, Uruguay, Bangladesh, Hungary, Argentina, Morocco, Canada, Colombia, United Arab Emirates, Ecuador, Panama, Egypt, Serbia, Lithuania, Mexico, Costa Rica, Israel, Pakistan, Tunisia, Czechia, Azerbaijan, Taiwan, Greece, Macedonia, Bulgaria, Latvia, Bahrain, Sri Lanka, Norway, Oman, Ireland, Saudi Arabia, Croatia, Portugal, Ivory Coast, Sweden, Andorra, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Barbados, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Benin, Bermuda, Brunei, Bolivia, Bahamas, Botswana, Belize, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cuba, Cyprus, Dominican Republic, Estonia, Ethiopia, Finland, Fiji, Gabon, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Honduras, Iran, Iceland, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Cambodia, Kuwait, Laos, Liberia, Lesotho, Luxembourg, Monaco, Moldova, Montenegro, Madagascar, Myanmar [Burma], Mongolia, Macao, Malta, Mauritius, Maldives, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, Nicaragua, Nepal, New Zealand, Paraguay, Qatar, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Senegal, El Salvador, Swaziland, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Related Agar Product Categories
Browse parent, sub, derived, and raw-material product market pages related to Agar.
Derived products: Plant-Based Cheese, Protein Pudding
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