India to South Africa: Rifampicin Export Trade Route
India has recorded 242 verified shipments of Rifampicin exported to South Africa, representing a combined trade value of $25.4M USD. This corridor is served by 11 active Indian exporters, with an average shipment value of $105.0K USD. The leading Indian exporter is MACLEODS PHARMACEUTICALS LTD, which accounts for 56% of total export value with 70 shipments worth $14.2M USD. On the buying side, NATIONAL DRUG SERVICE ORGANISATION is the largest importer in South Africa with $10.4M USD in purchases. The top 3 suppliers — MACLEODS PHARMACEUTICALS LTD, MACLEODS PHARMACEUTICALS LTD , MACLEODS PHARMACEUTICALS LIMITED — together control 85% 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 Rifampicin corridor is one of India's established pharmaceutical export routes, with 242 shipments documented worth a combined $25.4M USD. The route is dominated by MACLEODS PHARMACEUTICALS LTD, which alone accounts for roughly 56% of all export value, reflecting the consolidated nature of India's rifampicin manufacturing sector.
Across 11 active suppliers, the average shipment value stands at $105.0K USD — a figure that reflects both bulk commercial orders from large pharmaceutical companies and smaller specialty shipments. Freight is split between sea (67%) and air (16%), suggesting a mix of scheduled bulk orders and time-sensitive consignments.
Shipment activity peaks during October–December, with an average transit time of 15 days port-to-port. The route has recorded an annual growth rate of 26.6%, placing it at rank #17 among India's top rifampicin export destinations globally.
On the import side, key buyers of Indian rifampicin in South Africa include NATIONAL DRUG SERVICE ORGANISATION, MACLEODS PHARMACEUTICALS SA , MACLEODS PHARMACEUTICALS SA (PTY) L and 21 others. NATIONAL DRUG SERVICE ORGANISATION is the single largest importer with 1 shipments valued at $10.4M USD.
Route Characteristics
- Average transit15 days
- Peak seasonQ4
- Primary modeMulti-modal
- Top portSAHAR AIR CARGO ACC (INBOM4)
Market Position
- Global rank#17
- Annual growth+26.6%
- Demand growth+22.4%
- Regulatory ease67/100
Top 10 Indian Rifampicin Exporters to South Africa
Showing top 10 of 11 Indian suppliers exporting Rifampicin to South Africa, ranked by total trade value (USD)
| Rank | Supplier (Indian Exporter) | Shipments | Total Value (USD) | Market Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | MACLEODS PHARMACEUTICALS LTD Avg $203.4K per shipment | 70 | $14.2M | 56.0% |
| 2 | MACLEODS PHARMACEUTICALS LTD Avg $52.9K per shipment | 78 | $4.1M | 16.2% |
| 3 | MACLEODS PHARMACEUTICALS LIMITED Avg $73.3K per shipment | 44 | $3.2M | 12.7% |
| 4 | LUPIN LIMITED Avg $124.4K per shipment | 23 | $2.9M | 11.3% |
| 5 | MEDWISE OVERSEAS PRIVATE LIMITED Avg $159.6K per shipment | 3 | $478.7K | 1.9% |
| 6 | LUPIN LIMITED Avg $122.1K per shipment | 3 | $366.4K | 1.4% |
| 7 | SANDOZ PRIVATE LIMITED Avg $47.6K per shipment | 2 | $95.3K | 0.4% |
| 8 | JPC GLOBAL Avg $1.9K per shipment | 13 | $24.8K | 0.1% |
| 9 | MANEESH PHARMACEUTICALS LIMITED Avg $733 per shipment | 3 | $2.2K | 0.0% |
| 10 | VEA IMPEX (I) PRIVATE LIMITED Avg $826 per shipment | 2 | $1.7K | 0.0% |
This table shows the top 10 of 11 Indian companies exporting rifampicin to South Africa, ranked by total trade value. The listed exporters are: MACLEODS PHARMACEUTICALS LTD, MACLEODS PHARMACEUTICALS LTD , MACLEODS PHARMACEUTICALS LIMITED, LUPIN LIMITED, MEDWISE OVERSEAS PRIVATE LIMITED, LUPIN LIMITED , SANDOZ PRIVATE LIMITED , JPC GLOBAL, MANEESH PHARMACEUTICALS LIMITED , VEA IMPEX (I) PRIVATE LIMITED . MACLEODS PHARMACEUTICALS LTD is the dominant supplier with 70 shipments worth $14.2M USD, giving it a 56% market share. The top 3 suppliers together account for 85% of the total trade value on this route.
Showing top 10 of 11 total Indian exporters on the India to South Africa Rifampicin export route.
Top 10 Rifampicin Importers in South Africa
Showing top 10 of 24 known buyers in South Africa receiving Rifampicin shipments from India, ranked by import value
On the receiving end of this trade route, the leading importers of Indian rifampicin in South Africa include NATIONAL DRUG SERVICE ORGANISATION, MACLEODS PHARMACEUTICALS SA , MACLEODS PHARMACEUTICALS SA (PTY) L, MACLEODS PHARMACEUTICALS SA (PTY), MACLEODS PHARMACEUTICALS SA, among 24 total buyers. The largest importer is NATIONAL DRUG SERVICE ORGANISATION, accounting for $10.4M USD across 1 shipments — representing 41% of all rifampicin imports from India on this route.
| Rank | Importer / Buyer | Shipments | Import Value (USD) | Market Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | NATIONAL DRUG SERVICE ORGANISATION | 1 | $10.4M | 40.9% |
| 2 | MACLEODS PHARMACEUTICALS SA | 38 | $2.7M | 10.5% |
| 3 | MACLEODS PHARMACEUTICALS SA (PTY) L | 50 | $2.6M | 10.3% |
| 4 | MACLEODS PHARMACEUTICALS SA (PTY) | 26 | $2.1M | 8.2% |
| 5 | MACLEODS PHARMACEUTICALS SA | 28 | $1.8M | 7.1% |
| 6 | MACLEODS PHARMACEUTICALS SA, | 38 | $1.5M | 5.7% |
| 7 | UPD LEA GLEN, | 14 | $1.2M | 4.5% |
| 8 | MINISTRY OF HEALTH OF THE REPUBLIC | 3 | $1.1M | 4.3% |
| 9 | UPD LEA GLEN, PHARMA DYNAMICS C/O | 6 | $605.0K | 2.4% |
| 10 | TO. | 3 | $478.7K | 1.9% |
Showing top 10 of 24 Rifampicin importers in South Africa on this route.
Top 10 Rifampicin Formulations Imported by South Africa
Showing top 10 of 138 product formulations shipped on the India to South Africa Rifampicin route, ranked by trade value
South Africa imports a wide range of rifampicin formulations from India, spanning tablets, capsules, suspensions, and combination drugs. The top formulation — RIFAMPICIN 150MG / ISONIAZID 75MG / ETHAMBUTOL HYDROCHLORIDE 275MG TABLETS BNO:NRA2301A MD.09/23 ED.08/26 PS: 24X28S — accounts for $10.4M USD across 1 shipments. There are 138 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 | RIFAMPICIN 150MG / ISONIAZID 75MG / ETHAMBUTOL HYDROCHLORIDE 275MG TABLETS BNO:NRA2301A MD.09/23 ED.08/26 PS: 24X28S | 1 | $10.4M | 40.9% |
| 2 | RIFAMPICIN 150MG+ISONIAZID 75MG+PYRAZINA | 15 | $1.3M | 5.3% |
| 3 | MEDICINES. RIFAMPICIN 150MG+ISONIAZID 75 | 12 | $887.0K | 3.5% |
| 4 | MEDICINES. RIFAMPICIN 300MG+ISONIAZID 15 | 3 | $611.6K | 2.4% |
| 5 | MEDICINES. RIFAMPICIN 150MG + ISONIAZID | 12 | $579.3K | 2.3% |
| 6 | RIFA150+INH75+PZN400+ETB275 24X28T GDF RIFAMPICIN,ISONIAZID,PYRAZINAMIDE AND ETHAMBUTOL HYDROCHLORIDE TABLETS USP(6231 B | 1 | $403.9K | 1.6% |
| 7 | RIFA150+INH75+PZN400+ETB275 24X28T GDF RIFAMPICIN,ISONIAZID,PYRAZINAMIDE AND ETHAMBUTOL HYDROCHLORIDE TABLETS USP(5846 B | 1 | $379.0K | 1.5% |
| 8 | RISOTOL WISE (RIFAMPICIN 150 MG + ISONIA | 2 | $369.2K | 1.5% |
| 9 | 4 FDC - RISOPET 56T (SOUTH AFRICA) RIFAMPICIN 150MG+ ISONIAZIDE 75MG+ PYRAZINAMIDE 400MG+ ETHAMBUTOL HYDROCHLORIDE TABLE | 3 | $356.2K | 1.4% |
| 10 | RIFA150+INH75+PZN400+ETB275 24X28T GDF RIFAMPICIN,ISONIAZID,PYRAZINAMIDE AND ETHAMBUTOL HYDROCHLORIDE TABLETS USP(4961 B | 1 | $321.6K | 1.3% |
Showing top 10 of 138 Rifampicin formulations imported by South Africa on this route.
Shipping & Logistics Analysis
Freight mode split and port-of-origin breakdown
Freight Mode Distribution
Balanced freight mix — 67% sea for bulk, 16% air for urgent orders.
Top Ports of Origin
SAHAR AIR CARGO ACC (INBOM4) handles the highest volume with 65 shipments. Transit time averages 15 days by sea.
Market Dynamics
India's rifampicin exports to South Africa are driven primarily by a handful of large-scale manufacturers. MACLEODS PHARMACEUTICALS LTD with 70 shipments leads the pack, a pattern common in generic pharmaceutical corridors where manufacturing scale creates significant cost advantages. The presence of 11 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, MACLEODS PHARMACEUTICALS LTD , MACLEODS PHARMACEUTICALS LIMITED — together account for 85% of total trade value on this route. The average shipment value of $105.0K USD reflects primarily bulk commercial orders from large pharmaceutical distributors.
Beyond the primary product category, shipments on this route include closely related formulations such as rifampicin 150mg+isoniazid 75mg+pyrazina and medicines. rifampicin 150mg+isoniazid 75 , suggesting that buyers in South Africa tend to consolidate orders across related product lines from the same Indian supplier.
On the buying side, NATIONAL DRUG SERVICE ORGANISATION is the largest importer with 1 shipments worth $10.4M USD — representing 41% of all rifampicin imports from India on this route. A total of 24 buyers are active on this corridor.
Route Statistics
- Trade Volume
- $25.4M
- Avg. Shipment
- $105.0K
- Suppliers
- 11
- Buyers
- 24
- Transit (Sea)
- ~15 days
- Annual Growth
- +26.6%
Related Analysis
Reverse Direction
South Africa → India — Rifampicin (Import)Other Rifampicin Routes
Unlock the Full India to South Africa Rifampicin Dataset
TransData Nexus provides verified shipment-level records, supplier contact details, HS code breakdowns, real-time pricing benchmarks, and regulatory compliance guides for 242 shipments on this route.
Frequently Asked Questions — India to South Africa Rifampicin Trade
Answers based on Indian Customs (DGFT) shipment records compiled by TransData Nexus
Q Which Indian companies export Rifampicin to South Africa?
The leading Indian exporters of Rifampicin to South Africa are MACLEODS PHARMACEUTICALS LTD, MACLEODS PHARMACEUTICALS LTD , MACLEODS PHARMACEUTICALS LIMITED. MACLEODS PHARMACEUTICALS LTD holds the largest market share at approximately 56% of total trade value on this route.
Q What is the total value of Rifampicin exports from India to South Africa?
India exports Rifampicin to South Africa worth approximately $25.4M USD across 242 recorded shipments. The average value per shipment is $105.0K USD.
Q Which ports does India use to ship Rifampicin to South Africa?
The most active port of origin is SAHAR AIR CARGO ACC (INBOM4) with 65 shipments. Indian exporters primarily use a mix of sea and air freight for this route, with 67% of shipments going by sea and 16% by air.
Q How long does shipping take from India to South Africa for Rifampicin?
The average transit time for Rifampicin shipments from India to South Africa is approximately 15 days. Sea freight typically takes longer, while air freight can reduce this significantly for urgent orders. Peak shipping activity is observed during October–December.
Q Is the India to South Africa Rifampicin trade route growing?
Yes — this trade corridor has seen an annual growth rate of approximately 26.6% with demand growth tracking at 22.4%. The route is ranked #17 among India's top Rifampicin export destinations globally.
Q How many suppliers are active on the India to South Africa Rifampicin route?
There are currently 11 active Indian suppliers exporting Rifampicin to South Africa. The market is moderately concentrated with MACLEODS PHARMACEUTICALS LTD accounting for 56% of total shipment value.
Q Who are the main importers of Rifampicin from India in South Africa?
The leading importers of Indian Rifampicin in South Africa include NATIONAL DRUG SERVICE ORGANISATION, MACLEODS PHARMACEUTICALS SA , MACLEODS PHARMACEUTICALS SA (PTY) L, MACLEODS PHARMACEUTICALS SA (PTY), MACLEODS PHARMACEUTICALS SA. NATIONAL DRUG SERVICE ORGANISATION is the largest buyer with 1 shipments worth $10.4M 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 Rifampicin.
- 2.Supplier/Buyer Matching: 11 Indian exporters and 24 importers in South Africa matched using name normalization.
- 3.Value Aggregation: Total export value aggregated from 242 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
242 Verified Shipments
11 Indian exporters tracked
Expert-Reviewed
By pharmaceutical trade specialists