India’s Export of Organic Chemicals to South Africa (2023)

India’s organic chemical exports to South Africa in 2023 were valued at $92.73 million, with a diverse product range. Below are the top categories and their contributions:

Top Export Categories

1. Heterocyclic Compounds:
   • Compounds with nitrogen, nucleic acids, their salts: $18.76M
   • Other heterocyclic compounds: $11.94M
2. Carboxylic Acids and Derivatives:
   • Saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids and their derivatives: $6.33M
   • Unsaturated monocarboxylic acids and derivatives: $3.38M
3. Cyclic Hydrocarbons: $5.77M
4. Amino Compounds: $5.74M
5. Alcohols and Derivatives:
   • Acyclic alcohols: $4.05M
   • Ether, ether-alcohols: $2.36M
6. Alkaloids and Organic Compounds:
   • Vegetable alkaloids: $3.92M
   • Other organic compounds: $3.43M
7. Organo-sulfur and Amine-function Compounds:
   • Organo-sulfur compounds: $2.15M
   • Amine-function compounds: $2.10M
8. Miscellaneous:
   • Vitamins and derivatives: $1.71M
   • Sulphonamides: $1.14M
   • Antibiotics: $804.25K

Trade Insights

1. Major Product Demand:
   • High demand for nitrogen-based heterocyclic compounds, nucleic acids, and specialized organic compounds reflects South Africa’s need for pharmaceutical intermediates and industrial chemicals.
2. Key Market Opportunities:
   • Expanding exports of vitamins, antibiotics, and organo-sulfur compounds due to growing healthcare and industrial applications.
3. Diversification Potential:
   • Categories like glycosides, esters, and organo-inorganic compounds, though smaller in value, offer scope for growth in niche segments.

Economic Context

India’s Trade with the World

1. Trade Deficit:
   • Persistent trade deficit of $27.1 billion, highlighting the need to boost high-value exports like chemicals.
2. Export Contributions:
   • Organic chemicals are an essential contributor to India’s export portfolio, aligning with global demand for specialized compounds.

South Africa’s Import Needs

1. Chemical Sector Demand:
   • South Africa’s reliance on imported chemicals for pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and industrial processes is a key driver of trade.
2. Strategic Partnership:
   • Strengthening trade relations and agreements with South Africa could boost export volumes and diversify India’s market base.

This trade data highlights the potential for India to further cement its position as a reliable supplier of organic chemicals, leveraging its cost advantages and manufacturing capabilities.