India to South Africa: Metformin Export Trade Route
India has recorded 799 verified shipments of Metformin exported to South Africa, representing a combined trade value of $35.4M USD. This corridor is served by 41 active Indian exporters, with an average shipment value of $44.3K USD. The leading Indian exporter is MACLEODS PHARMACEUTICALS LTD, which accounts for 41% of total export value with 88 shipments worth $14.5M USD. On the buying side, MACLEODS PHARMACEUTICALS SA (PTY) L is the largest importer in South Africa with $8.2M USD in purchases. The top 3 suppliers — MACLEODS PHARMACEUTICALS LTD, IPCA LABORATORIES LIMITED, IPCA LABORATORIES LIMITED — together control 58% of total trade value on this route. All data sourced from Indian Customs (DGFT) shipping bill records. Values reported in FOB USD.
Route Intelligence Overview
The India to South Africa Metformin corridor is one of India's established pharmaceutical export routes, with 799 shipments documented worth a combined $35.4M USD. The route is dominated by MACLEODS PHARMACEUTICALS LTD, which alone accounts for roughly 41% of all export value, reflecting the consolidated nature of India's metformin manufacturing sector.
Across 41 active suppliers, the average shipment value stands at $44.3K USD — a figure that reflects both bulk commercial orders from large pharmaceutical companies and smaller specialty shipments. Sea freight dominates at 71% of all shipments, consistent with metformin's non-urgent bulk-order profile.
Shipment activity peaks during January–March, with an average transit time of 30 days port-to-port. The route has recorded an annual growth rate of 16.9%, placing it at rank #1 among India's top metformin export destinations globally.
On the import side, key buyers of Indian metformin in South Africa include MACLEODS PHARMACEUTICALS SA (PTY) L, MACLEODS PHARMACEUTICALS SA, NA and 91 others. MACLEODS PHARMACEUTICALS SA (PTY) L is the single largest importer with 24 shipments valued at $8.2M USD.
Route Characteristics
- Average transit30 days
- Peak seasonQ1
- Primary modeSea freight
- Top portNHAVA SHEVA SEA (INNSA1)
Market Position
- Global rank#1
- Annual growth+16.9%
- Demand growth+16.5%
- Regulatory ease73/100
Top 10 Indian Metformin Exporters to South Africa
Showing top 10 of 41 Indian suppliers exporting Metformin to South Africa, ranked by total trade value (USD)
| Rank | Supplier (Indian Exporter) | Shipments | Total Value (USD) | Market Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | MACLEODS PHARMACEUTICALS LTD Avg $165.3K per shipment | 88 | $14.5M | 41.1% |
| 2 | IPCA LABORATORIES LIMITED Avg $37.7K per shipment | 106 | $4.0M | 11.3% |
| 3 | IPCA LABORATORIES LIMITED Avg $47.2K per shipment | 43 | $2.0M | 5.7% |
| 4 | QUALIGENS PHARMA PRIVATE LIMITED Avg $29.5K per shipment | 57 | $1.7M | 4.8% |
| 5 | STRIDES PHARMA SCIENCE LIMITED Avg $27.8K per shipment | 60 | $1.7M | 4.7% |
| 6 | ZYDUS LIFESCIENCES LIMITED Avg $52.2K per shipment | 30 | $1.6M | 4.4% |
| 7 | GRANULES INDIA LIMITED Avg $17.8K per shipment | 83 | $1.5M | 4.2% |
| 8 | AUROBINDO PHARMA LIMITED Avg $44.0K per shipment | 19 | $835.4K | 2.4% |
| 9 | AUROBINDO PHARMA LTD Avg $27.8K per shipment | 24 | $667.2K | 1.9% |
| 10 | J B CHEMICALS AND PHARMACEUTICALS LIMITED Avg $30.2K per shipment | 22 | $663.7K | 1.9% |
This table shows the top 10 of 41 Indian companies exporting metformin to South Africa, ranked by total trade value. The listed exporters are: MACLEODS PHARMACEUTICALS LTD, IPCA LABORATORIES LIMITED, IPCA LABORATORIES LIMITED , QUALIGENS PHARMA PRIVATE LIMITED, STRIDES PHARMA SCIENCE LIMITED, ZYDUS LIFESCIENCES LIMITED, GRANULES INDIA LIMITED, AUROBINDO PHARMA LIMITED, AUROBINDO PHARMA LTD, J B CHEMICALS AND PHARMACEUTICALS LIMITED . MACLEODS PHARMACEUTICALS LTD is the dominant supplier with 88 shipments worth $14.5M USD, giving it a 41% market share. The top 3 suppliers together account for 58% of the total trade value on this route.
Showing top 10 of 41 total Indian exporters on the India to South Africa Metformin export route.
Top 10 Metformin Importers in South Africa
Showing top 10 of 94 known buyers in South Africa receiving Metformin shipments from India, ranked by import value
On the receiving end of this trade route, the leading importers of Indian metformin in South Africa include MACLEODS PHARMACEUTICALS SA (PTY) L, MACLEODS PHARMACEUTICALS SA, NA, AUSTELL PHARMACEUTICALS (PTY) LTD , MACLEODS PHARMACEUTICALS SA (PTY), among 94 total buyers. The largest importer is MACLEODS PHARMACEUTICALS SA (PTY) L, accounting for $8.2M USD across 24 shipments — representing 23% of all metformin imports from India on this route.
| Rank | Importer / Buyer | Shipments | Import Value (USD) | Market Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | MACLEODS PHARMACEUTICALS SA (PTY) L | 24 | $8.2M | 23.3% |
| 2 | MACLEODS PHARMACEUTICALS SA | 32 | $5.2M | 14.7% |
| 3 | NA | 76 | $2.5M | 6.9% |
| 4 | AUSTELL PHARMACEUTICALS (PTY) LTD | 27 | $1.4M | 4.0% |
| 5 | MACLEODS PHARMACEUTICALS SA (PTY) | 69 | $1.3M | 3.7% |
| 6 | ZYDUS HEALTHCARE SA (PTY) LTD | 23 | $1.2M | 3.3% |
| 7 | AUSTELL PHARMACEUTICALS PTY LTD | 23 | $1.1M | 3.1% |
| 8 | AUSTELL PHARMACEUTICALS PTY LIMITED | 9 | $752.4K | 2.1% |
| 9 | TO THE ORDER OF . | 21 | $746.2K | 2.1% |
| 10 | VIATRIS HEALTHCARE (PTY) LTD | 48 | $712.1K | 2.0% |
Showing top 10 of 94 Metformin importers in South Africa on this route.
Top 10 Metformin Formulations Imported by South Africa
Showing top 10 of 454 product formulations shipped on the India to South Africa Metformin route, ranked by trade value
South Africa imports a wide range of metformin formulations from India, spanning tablets, capsules, suspensions, and combination drugs. The top formulation — MACLOGLYMIN 850 (METFORMIN HYDROCHLORIDETABLETS 850MG) 1X84S (37511 PAC) — accounts for $2.5M USD across 1 shipments. There are 454 distinct product descriptions in the dataset, reflecting the variety of dosage forms and strengths imported.
| Rank | Product Formulation | Shipments | Trade Value (USD) | Market Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | MACLOGLYMIN 850 (METFORMIN HYDROCHLORIDETABLETS 850MG) 1X84S (37511 PAC) | 1 | $2.5M | 7.2% |
| 2 | MACLOGLYMIN 500 (METFORMIN HYDROCHLORIDETABLETS 500MG BNO:BMP42323A/BMP42324A MD.09/23 ED.08/25 PS: 1X112S | 1 | $2.0M | 5.6% |
| 3 | MACLOGLYMIN 850 (METFORMIN HYDROCHLORIDETABLETS 850MG) 1X84S (24714 PAC) | 1 | $1.7M | 4.7% |
| 4 | MACLOGLYMIN 500 (METFORMIN HYDROCHLORIDETABLETS 500MG) 1X84S (28849 PAC) | 1 | $1.5M | 4.2% |
| 5 | MACLOGLYMIN 500 (METFORMIN HYDROCHLORIDETABLETS 500MG) 1X84S (28734 PAC) | 1 | $1.5M | 4.2% |
| 6 | MACLOGLYMINE 500 MG TABS (METFORMIN HYDROCHLORIDE TABLETS 500MG) BNO:BMP42322A MD.09/23 ED.08/25 PS: 1X100S | 1 | $1.2M | 3.5% |
| 7 | HARMLESS MEDICINES Metformin 850mg Tab | 19 | $991.4K | 2.8% |
| 8 | MACLOGLYMIN 850MG TABS 60S (METFORMIN HYDROCHLORIDE 850 MG TABLETS)BNO:BMP52321AMD.09/23 ED.08/25 PS: 1X60S | 1 | $868.2K | 2.5% |
| 9 | MACLOGLYMIN 850 (METFORMIN HYDROCHLORIDETABLETS 850MG) 1X84S (12661 PAC) | 1 | $859.7K | 2.4% |
| 10 | MACLOGLYMIN 850 (METFORMIN HYDROCHLORIDETABLETS 850MG) BNO:BMP52320A MFG.DT.SEP-2023 EXP.DT.AUG-2025 PS: 1X84S | 1 | $854.1K | 2.4% |
Showing top 10 of 454 Metformin formulations imported by South Africa on this route.
Shipping & Logistics Analysis
Freight mode split and port-of-origin breakdown
Freight Mode Distribution
Sea freight dominates at 71%, typical for bulk pharmaceutical shipments.
Top Ports of Origin
NHAVA SHEVA SEA (INNSA1) handles the highest volume with 107 shipments. Transit time averages 30 days by sea.
Market Dynamics
India's metformin exports to South Africa are driven primarily by a handful of large-scale manufacturers. MACLEODS PHARMACEUTICALS LTD with 88 shipments leads the pack, a pattern common in generic pharmaceutical corridors where manufacturing scale creates significant cost advantages. The presence of 41 active exporters signals a competitive but concentrated market — buyers in South Africa benefit from supplier diversity while the top tier handles the majority of volume.
The top 3 suppliers — MACLEODS PHARMACEUTICALS LTD, IPCA LABORATORIES LIMITED, IPCA LABORATORIES LIMITED — together account for 58% of total trade value on this route. The average shipment value of $44.3K USD reflects a mix of bulk commercial orders and smaller specialty shipments.
Beyond the primary product category, shipments on this route include closely related formulations such as macloglymin 500 (metformin hydrochloridetablets 500mg bno:bmp42323a/bmp42324a md.09/23 ed.08/25 ps: 1x112s and macloglymin 850 (metformin hydrochloridetablets 850mg) 1x84s (24714 pac), suggesting that buyers in South Africa tend to consolidate orders across related product lines from the same Indian supplier.
On the buying side, MACLEODS PHARMACEUTICALS SA (PTY) L is the largest importer with 24 shipments worth $8.2M USD — representing 23% of all metformin imports from India on this route. A total of 94 buyers are active on this corridor.
Route Statistics
- Trade Volume
- $35.4M
- Avg. Shipment
- $44.3K
- Suppliers
- 41
- Buyers
- 94
- Transit (Sea)
- ~30 days
- Annual Growth
- +16.9%
Reverse Direction
South Africa → India — Metformin (Import)Other Metformin Routes
Unlock the Full India to South Africa Metformin Dataset
TransData Nexus provides verified shipment-level records, supplier contact details, HS code breakdowns, real-time pricing benchmarks, and regulatory compliance guides for 799 shipments on this route.
Frequently Asked Questions — India to South Africa Metformin Trade
Answers based on Indian Customs (DGFT) shipment records compiled by TransData Nexus
Q Which Indian companies export Metformin to South Africa?
The leading Indian exporters of Metformin to South Africa are MACLEODS PHARMACEUTICALS LTD, IPCA LABORATORIES LIMITED, IPCA LABORATORIES LIMITED . MACLEODS PHARMACEUTICALS LTD holds the largest market share at approximately 41% of total trade value on this route.
Q What is the total value of Metformin exports from India to South Africa?
India exports Metformin to South Africa worth approximately $35.4M USD across 799 recorded shipments. The average value per shipment is $44.3K USD.
Q Which ports does India use to ship Metformin to South Africa?
The most active port of origin is NHAVA SHEVA SEA (INNSA1) with 107 shipments. Indian exporters primarily use sea freight for this route, with 71% of shipments going by sea and 20% by air.
Q How long does shipping take from India to South Africa for Metformin?
The average transit time for Metformin shipments from India to South Africa is approximately 30 days. Sea freight typically takes longer, while air freight can reduce this significantly for urgent orders. Peak shipping activity is observed during January–March.
Q Is the India to South Africa Metformin trade route growing?
Yes — this trade corridor has seen an annual growth rate of approximately 16.9% with demand growth tracking at 16.5%. The route is ranked #1 among India's top Metformin export destinations globally.
Q How many suppliers are active on the India to South Africa Metformin route?
There are currently 41 active Indian suppliers exporting Metformin to South Africa. The market is moderately concentrated with MACLEODS PHARMACEUTICALS LTD accounting for 41% of total shipment value.
Q Who are the main importers of Metformin from India in South Africa?
The leading importers of Indian Metformin in South Africa include MACLEODS PHARMACEUTICALS SA (PTY) L, MACLEODS PHARMACEUTICALS SA, NA, AUSTELL PHARMACEUTICALS (PTY) LTD , MACLEODS PHARMACEUTICALS SA (PTY). MACLEODS PHARMACEUTICALS SA (PTY) L is the largest buyer with 24 shipments worth $8.2M USD.
Official References & Regulatory Resources
- India Trade Statistics (DGFT)
- Invest India — Pharma Sector
- WCO HS Nomenclature
- Ministry of Commerce — Pharma Exports
- Pharmexcil
Data sourced from Indian Customs (DGFT) records. Verify regulatory and trade status with the agencies above.
Research Methodology & Data Transparency
Suresh Sormare
Verified AuthorPharmaceutical Export-Import Analyst & Trade Intelligence Expert
Suresh Sormare is a pharmaceutical export-import analyst with deep expertise in Indian Customs (DGFT) data, HS code classification, and global pharmaceutical supply chains. His analysis covers 10M+ shipment records across 150+ countries and is used by manufacturers, procurement agencies, and trade consultants worldwide. Suresh specializes in identifying verified suppliers and buyers from customs records, mapping bilateral pharmaceutical trade corridors, analyzing tariff structures and regulatory frameworks across 170+ destination markets, and benchmarking competitive positioning for finished pharmaceutical formulations. His methodology combines granular customs transaction data with regulatory intelligence from FDA, EMA, WHO, CDSCO, and 40+ national drug authorities to deliver actionable trade insights for the pharmaceutical formulations sector.
linkedin.com/in/sureshsormarePrimary Data Source
All trade data is sourced from Indian Customs (DGFT) official shipping bill records — the authoritative government database for India's pharmaceutical trade. Each verified record contains exporter name, consignee (buyer) name, detailed product description, quantity, declared FOB value (USD), port of loading, destination country, and shipment date.
Analysis Methodology
- 1.Route Identification: India to South Africa export trade corridor identified from Indian Customs (DGFT) records for Metformin.
- 2.Supplier/Buyer Matching: 41 Indian exporters and 94 importers in South Africa matched using name normalization.
- 3.Value Aggregation: Total export value aggregated from 799 verified shipping bill records. Values are FOB in USD.
- 4.Market Share Analysis: Each supplier and buyer contribution calculated as a percentage of total route value. Statistical normalization applied to ensure accurate representation across varying shipment sizes.
Government-Sourced Data
Official DGFT customs records
Transparent Methodology
Calculations fully disclosed above
799 Verified Shipments
41 Indian exporters tracked
Expert-Reviewed
By pharmaceutical trade specialists