Acrylic water-based paint exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, South Africa exported acrylic water-based paint worth $29.4 million (17.7 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. That is 8% more than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $29.4M | 17.7K t |
| 2023 | $27.3M | 18.7K t |
| 2022 | $24.6M | 16.8K t |
| 2021 | $28.1M | 17.6K t |
| 2020 | $20.9M | 16.5K t |
| 2019 | $24.2M | 17.0K t |
| 2018 | $24.0M | 16.3K t |
| 2017 | $23.2M | 15.0K t |
Where South Africa exports acrylic water-based paint to
Most of it went to Mozambique (29%), Namibia (16%), Botswana (12%). Among the main buyer markets, Ghana grew fastest (+127% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Mozambique | $8.5M | 29% |
| Namibia | $4.8M | 17% |
| Botswana | $3.5M | 12% |
| Eswatini | $2.4M | 8.1% |
| Zambia | $2.4M | 8.1% |
| Zimbabwe | $1.5M | 5% |
| Lesotho | $1.2M | 4.2% |
| Ghana | $1.2M | 4% |
| United States | $763K | 2.6% |
| Madagascar | $643K | 2.2% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.66 per kg, 39% below the world average of $2.70, 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.
Acrylic water-based paint imports to South Africa
Imports of acrylic water-based paint by South Africa reached $9.9 million in 2024 (3.1 thousand tonnes). Most of the value came from Japan (26%), Germany (23%), Netherlands (15%). Among the main suppliers, Netherlands grew fastest (+351% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | $2.6M | 26% |
| Germany | $2.3M | 23% |
| Netherlands | $1.5M | 15% |
| France | $1.1M | 11% |
| Italy | $973K | 9.8% |
| China | $498K | 5% |
| United Kingdom | $288K | 2.9% |
| United States | $224K | 2.3% |
| Turkey | $128K | 1.3% |
| Brazil | $110K | 1.1% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa acrylic water-based paint exports (HS 3209.10): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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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 3209.10: Paints and varnishes: based on acrylic or vinyl polymers, dispersed or dissolved in an aqueous medium.
Common questions
What is the value of acrylic water-based paint exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported acrylic water-based paint worth $29.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 17.7 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 27th of 161 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was up 8% on 2023.
Which countries buy acrylic water-based paint from South Africa?
Mozambique was the largest buyer with 29% of the value ($8.5 million), followed by Namibia (16%) and Botswana (12%). The top three together account for 57%, out of 68 buyer countries in total. Ghana grew fastest among the top ten, up 127% on the year.
What is the average export price of acrylic water-based paint per kg?
The average declared export value was about $1.66 per kg in 2024, 39% below the world average of $2.70 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have exports of acrylic water-based paint from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $23.2 million in 2017 to $29.4 million in 2024, an increase of 26%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $25.2 million a year.
Does South Africa also import acrylic water-based paint?
Yes. South Africa imported $9.9 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Japan, Germany and the Netherlands. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $19.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for acrylic water-based paint?
The HS code for acrylic water-based paint is subheading 3209.10. It sits in HS chapter 32 (tanning or dyeing extracts; tannins and their derivatives; dyes, pigments and other colouring matter; paints, varnishes; putty, other mastics; inks). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3209 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 acrylic water-based paint trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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