Amphoteric surfactant exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, South Africa exported amphoteric surfactant worth $20.3 million (14.8 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 2%. That is 16% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 6% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2021, at $34.9 million.
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 | $20.3M | 14.8K t |
| 2023 | $17.5M | 11.6K t |
| 2022 | $17.9M | 10.7K t |
| 2021 | $34.9M | 24.2K t |
| 2020 | $22.8M | 19.4K t |
| 2019 | $25.8M | 18.7K t |
| 2018 | $30.0M | 20.4K t |
| 2017 | $31.7M | 26.2K t |
Where South Africa exports amphoteric surfactant to
The largest buyer markets were Zimbabwe (37%), Mozambique (12%), Botswana (11%). Among the main buyer markets, DR Congo grew fastest (+147% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $7.5M | 37% |
| Mozambique | $2.5M | 12% |
| Botswana | $2.2M | 11% |
| DR Congo | $1.6M | 8% |
| Zambia | $867K | 4.3% |
| Poland | $825K | 4.1% |
| Namibia | $817K | 4% |
| Brazil | $568K | 2.8% |
| Tanzania | $543K | 2.7% |
| Lesotho | $540K | 2.7% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.37 per kg, 22% below the world average of $1.76, 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.
Amphoteric surfactant imports to South Africa
South Africa imported $7.1 million of amphoteric surfactant in 2024 (4.2 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. The largest suppliers were China (31%), Spain (21%), Greece (14%). Among the main suppliers, Spain grew fastest (+937% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $2.2M | 31% |
| Spain | $1.5M | 21% |
| Greece | $967K | 14% |
| Germany | $363K | 5.1% |
| India | $286K | 4% |
| Belgium | $285K | 4% |
| United Kingdom | $277K | 3.9% |
| Australia | $243K | 3.4% |
| France | $225K | 3.2% |
| Italy | $169K | 2.4% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa amphoteric surfactant exports (HS 3402.19): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
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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 3402.19: Organic surface-active agents: whether or not put up for retail sale, n.e.c. in heading no. 3402.
Common questions
What is the value of amphoteric surfactant exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported amphoteric surfactant worth $20.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 14.8 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 14th of 134 countries worldwide, with 2% of world exports. The value was up 16% on 2023.
Which countries buy amphoteric surfactant from South Africa?
Zimbabwe was the largest buyer with 37% of the value ($7.5 million), followed by Mozambique (12%) and Botswana (11%). The top three together account for 60%, out of 53 buyer countries in total. The DR Congo grew fastest among the top ten, up 147% on the year.
What is the average export price of amphoteric surfactant per kg?
The average declared export value was about $1.37 per kg in 2024, 22% below the world average of $1.76 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of amphoteric surfactant from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $31.7 million in 2017 to $20.3 million in 2024, a fall of 36%. The peak was 2021 at $34.9 million. Over 8 years the average was $25.1 million a year.
Does South Africa also import amphoteric surfactant?
Yes. South Africa imported $7.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from China, Spain and Greece. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $13.2 million a year.
What is the HS code for amphoteric surfactant?
The HS code for amphoteric surfactant is subheading 3402.19. It sits in HS chapter 34 (soap, organic surface-active agents; washing, lubricating, polishing or scouring preparations; artificial or prepared waxes, candles and similar articles, modelling pastes, dental waxes and dental preparations with a basis of plaster). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3402 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 amphoteric surfactant trade: top importers and exporters
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