Anionic surfactant exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $21.2 million of anionic surfactant in 2024 (17.2 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. Value fell 13% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 21% a year on average.
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 | $21.2M | 17.2K t |
| 2023 | $24.4M | 15.3K t |
| 2022 | $17.1M | 11.7K t |
| 2021 | $7.6M | 4.6K t |
| 2020 | $10.7M | 6.1K t |
| 2019 | $6.5M | 4.5K t |
| 2018 | $7.7M | 4.9K t |
| 2017 | $5.4M | 3.4K t |
Where South Africa exports anionic surfactant to
The largest buyer markets were Zimbabwe (32%), Botswana (29%), Eswatini (11%). Among the main buyer markets, Malawi grew fastest (+675% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $6.8M | 32% |
| Botswana | $6.1M | 29% |
| Eswatini | $2.4M | 11% |
| Zambia | $1.3M | 6.2% |
| Namibia | $1.1M | 5% |
| Mozambique | $696K | 3.3% |
| DR Congo | $627K | 3% |
| Malawi | $603K | 2.8% |
| Republic of the Congo | $530K | 2.5% |
| Lesotho | $415K | 2% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.24 per kg, 25% below the world average of $1.65, 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.
Anionic surfactant imports to South Africa
South Africa imported $15.9 million of anionic surfactant in 2024 (14.7 thousand tonnes). Most of the value came from China (25%), United Kingdom (12%), Germany (12%). Trade is spread widely: the top three suppliers together make up only 50%. Among the main suppliers, Italy grew fastest (+65% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $4.0M | 25% |
| United Kingdom | $1.9M | 12% |
| Germany | $1.9M | 12% |
| Italy | $1.8M | 11% |
| India | $1.3M | 8.3% |
| Netherlands | $738K | 4.6% |
| Egypt | $628K | 3.9% |
| Norway | $522K | 3.3% |
| France | $402K | 2.5% |
| United States | $354K | 2.2% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa anionic surfactant exports (HS 3402.11): 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 3402.11: Organic surface-active agents: anionic (other than soap), whether or not put up for retail sale.
Common questions
What is the value of anionic surfactant exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported anionic surfactant worth $21.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 17.2 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 31st of 141 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was down 13% on 2023.
Which countries buy anionic surfactant from South Africa?
Zimbabwe was the largest buyer with 32% of the value ($6.8 million), followed by Botswana (29%) and Eswatini (11%). The top three together account for 72%, out of 61 buyer countries in total. Malawi grew fastest among the top ten, up 675% on the year.
What is the average export price of anionic surfactant per kg?
The average declared export value was about $1.24 per kg in 2024, 25% below the world average of $1.65 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have exports of anionic surfactant from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $5.4 million in 2017 to $21.2 million in 2024, an increase of 291%. The peak was 2023 at $24.4 million. Over 8 years the average was $12.6 million a year.
Does South Africa also import anionic surfactant?
Yes. South Africa imported $15.9 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from China, the United Kingdom and Germany. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $5.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for anionic surfactant?
The HS code for anionic surfactant is subheading 3402.11. 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?
The totals here are public statistics; EximDataX adds the company names by reading partner countries' customs records for South Africa. Tell us your product to see it live.
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