Bulk washing concentrate exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $200.5 million of bulk washing concentrate in 2024 (134.4 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 2%. The value was almost unchanged 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 | $200.5M | 134.4K t |
| 2023 | $206.7M | 128.4K t |
| 2022 | $181.5M | 112.0K t |
| 2021 | $82.8M | 39.6K t |
| 2020 | $55.4M | 40.3K t |
| 2019 | $51.6M | 35.7K t |
| 2018 | $56.2M | 35.6K t |
| 2017 | $53.5M | 37.4K t |
Where South Africa exports bulk washing concentrate to
The largest buyer markets were Mozambique (28%), Zimbabwe (18%), Botswana (17%).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Mozambique | $57.0M | 28% |
| Zimbabwe | $36.9M | 18% |
| Botswana | $35.0M | 18% |
| Namibia | $21.1M | 11% |
| Lesotho | $12.7M | 6.3% |
| DR Congo | $11.4M | 5.7% |
| Zambia | $5.9M | 2.9% |
| Eswatini | $5.5M | 2.8% |
| Malawi | $3.0M | 1.5% |
| Tanzania | $1.8M | 0.9% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.49 per kg, 35% below the world average of $2.31, 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.
Bulk washing concentrate imports to South Africa
Imports of bulk washing concentrate by South Africa reached $36.5 million in 2024 (14.2 thousand tonnes). The largest suppliers were Germany (17%), France (12%), Sweden (12%). Trade is spread widely: the top three suppliers together make up only 41%. Among the main suppliers, France grew fastest (+112% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $6.1M | 17% |
| France | $4.5M | 12% |
| Sweden | $4.2M | 12% |
| United States | $3.7M | 10% |
| China | $3.6M | 10% |
| Italy | $3.5M | 9.5% |
| Spain | $3.1M | 8.5% |
| Netherlands | $2.0M | 5.4% |
| United Kingdom | $1.3M | 3.6% |
| Belgium | $992K | 2.7% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa bulk washing concentrate exports (HS 3402.90): 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 3402.90: Washing and cleaning preparations: surface-active, whether or not containing soap (excluding those of heading no. 3401), including auxiliary washing preparations, not for retail sale.
Common questions
What is the value of bulk washing concentrate exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported bulk washing concentrate worth $200.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 134.4 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 11th of 193 countries worldwide, with 2% of world exports. The value was down 3% on 2023.
Which countries buy bulk washing concentrate from South Africa?
Mozambique was the largest buyer with 28% of the value ($57.0 million), followed by Zimbabwe (18%) and Botswana (17%). The top three together account for 64%, out of 116 buyer countries in total. Botswana grew fastest among the top ten, up 25% on the year.
What is the average export price of bulk washing concentrate per kg?
The average declared export value was about $1.49 per kg in 2024, 35% below the world average of $2.31 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of bulk washing concentrate from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $53.5 million in 2017 to $200.5 million in 2024, an increase of 275%. The peak was 2023 at $206.7 million. Over 8 years the average was $111.0 million a year.
Does South Africa also import bulk washing concentrate?
Yes. South Africa imported $36.5 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Germany, France and Sweden. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $164.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for bulk washing concentrate?
The HS code for bulk washing concentrate is subheading 3402.90. 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.
Same product, other countries
World bulk washing concentrate trade: top importers and exporters
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