Butane imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported butane worth $189.4 million (274.1 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 52% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 23% a year on average.
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 | $189.4M | 274.1K t |
| 2023 | $124.9M | 202.6K t |
| 2022 | $122.4M | 160.8K t |
| 2021 | $131.1M | 151.2K t |
| 2020 | $44.5M | 62.2K t |
| 2019 | $18.6M | 25.7K t |
| 2018 | $24.0M | 41.1K t |
| 2017 | $45.4M | 93.9K t |
Where South Africa imports butane from
United States alone supplied 84% of it. Among the main suppliers, United States grew fastest (+41% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $158.4M | 84% |
| Iraq | $8.7M | 4.6% |
| Equatorial Guinea | $8.4M | 4.4% |
| Chile | $6.6M | 3.5% |
| Argentina | $4.2M | 2.2% |
| Tanzania | $1.5M | 0.8% |
| China | $913K | 0.5% |
| Italy | $231K | 0.1% |
| North Macedonia | $214K | 0.1% |
| South Korea | $167K | 0.1% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.69 per kg, close to the world average of $0.63.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Butane exports from South Africa
Exports of butane by South Africa reached $128.3 million in 2024 (156.4 thousand tonnes). Zimbabwe alone took 77% of it. Among the main buyer markets, Namibia grew fastest (+57% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $98.6M | 77% |
| Botswana | $20.7M | 16% |
| Namibia | $5.9M | 4.6% |
| Eswatini | $2.9M | 2.3% |
| Lesotho | $66K | 0.1% |
| Zambia | $57K | 0% |
| Denmark | $36K | 0% |
| Tanzania | $27K | 0% |
| Mauritius | $14K | 0% |
| Angola | $2K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa butane imports (HS 2711.13): 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 2711.13: Petroleum gases and other gaseous hydrocarbons: liquefied, butanes.
Common questions
What is the value of butane imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported butane worth $189.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 274.1 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 27th of 191 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 52% on 2023.
Which countries supply butane to South Africa?
The United States was the largest supplier with 84% of the value ($158.4 million), followed by Iraq (5%) and Equatorial Guinea (4%). The top three together account for 93%, out of 17 supplier countries in total. Chile grew fastest among the top ten, up 580% on the year.
What is the average import price of butane per kg?
The average declared import value was about $0.69 per kg in 2024, 10% above the world average of $0.63 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of butane to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $45.4 million in 2017 to $189.4 million in 2024, an increase of 317%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $87.6 million a year.
Does South Africa also export butane?
Yes. South Africa exported $128.3 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $61.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for butane?
The HS code for butane is subheading 2711.13. It sits in HS chapter 27 (mineral fuels, mineral oils and products of their distillation; bituminous substances; mineral waxes). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2711 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
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