Black printing ink imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of black printing ink by South Africa reached $14.9 million in 2024 (1.7 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is close to the 2023 level. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 10% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2017, at $30.9 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $14.9M | 1.7K t |
| 2023 | $15.2M | 1.9K t |
| 2022 | $20.9M | 1.7K t |
| 2021 | $18.2M | 1.6K t |
| 2020 | $16.7M | 1.4K t |
| 2019 | $18.5M | 2.1K t |
| 2018 | $27.6M | 2.4K t |
| 2017 | $30.9M | 2.4K t |
Where South Africa imports black printing ink from
Most of the value came from Netherlands (25%), Japan (19%), Germany (11%). Among the main suppliers, Switzerland grew fastest (+69% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Netherlands | $3.8M | 25% |
| Japan | $2.8M | 19% |
| Germany | $1.6M | 11% |
| United Kingdom | $1.5M | 10% |
| India | $689K | 4.6% |
| China | $644K | 4.3% |
| Switzerland | $604K | 4.1% |
| France | $428K | 2.9% |
| Philippines | $344K | 2.3% |
| Sweden | $280K | 1.9% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $8.84 per kg, close to the world average of $8.74.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Black printing ink exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported black printing ink worth $7.0 million (480 tonnes). Most of it went to Botswana (8%), United States (8%), Namibia (5%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 22%. Among the main buyer markets, Mexico grew fastest (+408% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Botswana | $591K | 8.5% |
| United States | $583K | 8.4% |
| Namibia | $355K | 5.1% |
| France | $354K | 5.1% |
| Zimbabwe | $328K | 4.7% |
| Mozambique | $290K | 4.2% |
| Turkey | $286K | 4.1% |
| Mexico | $277K | 4% |
| Malawi | $244K | 3.5% |
| Brazil | $241K | 3.5% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa black printing ink imports (HS 3215.11): 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 3215.11: Ink: for printing, black, whether or not concentrated or solid.
Common questions
What is the value of black printing ink imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported black printing ink worth $14.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.7 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 26th of 215 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was down 2% on 2023.
Which countries supply black printing ink to South Africa?
The Netherlands was the largest supplier with 25% of the value ($3.8 million), followed by Japan (19%) and Germany (11%). The top three together account for 55%, out of 47 supplier countries in total. Switzerland grew fastest among the top ten, up 69% on the year.
What is the average import price of black printing ink per kg?
The average declared import value was about $8.84 per kg in 2024, close to the world average of $8.74 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of black printing ink to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $30.9 million in 2017 to $14.9 million in 2024, a fall of 52%. The peak was 2017 at $30.9 million. Over 8 years the average was $20.4 million a year.
Does South Africa also export black printing ink?
Yes. South Africa exported $7.0 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Botswana, the United States and Namibia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $8.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for black printing ink?
The HS code for black printing ink is subheading 3215.11. 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 3215 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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