Butanol exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, South Africa exported butanol worth $179.9 million (156.3 thousand tonnes). That makes it the largest exporter of this product worldwide, out of 68 countries. That is 22% more than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2022, at $225.1 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 | $179.9M | 156.3K t |
| 2023 | $147.8M | 132.5K t |
| 2022 | $225.1M | 148.1K t |
| 2021 | $220.5M | 136.0K t |
| 2020 | $115.0M | 181.8K t |
| 2019 | $135.2M | 178.5K t |
| 2018 | $140.0M | 146.6K t |
| 2017 | $151.5M | 181.9K t |
Where South Africa exports butanol to
Most of it went to Belgium (38%), Germany (27%), China (7%). Among the main buyer markets, United States grew fastest (+51% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Belgium | $67.9M | 38% |
| Germany | $48.3M | 27% |
| China | $12.4M | 6.9% |
| India | $10.3M | 5.7% |
| Singapore | $9.7M | 5.4% |
| United States | $7.7M | 4.3% |
| Taiwan | $4.8M | 2.7% |
| United Kingdom | $3.6M | 2% |
| Pakistan | $2.5M | 1.4% |
| United Arab Emirates | $2.5M | 1.4% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.15 per kg, close to the world average of $1.14.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Butanol imports to South Africa
Imports of butanol by South Africa reached $389 thousand in 2024 (294 tonnes). France alone supplied 97% of it.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| France | $378K | 97% |
| China | $6K | 1.5% |
| Germany | $3K | 0.7% |
| United States | $1K | 0.3% |
| Switzerland | $1K | 0.2% |
| Italy | $0K | 0% |
| India | $0K | 0% |
| Thailand | $0K | 0% |
| Netherlands | $0K | 0% |
| Belgium | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa butanol exports (HS 2905.13): 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 2905.13: Alcohols: saturated monohydric, butan-1-ol (n-butyl alcohol).
Common questions
What is the value of butanol exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported butanol worth $179.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 156.3 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 1st of 68 countries worldwide, with 23% of world exports. The value was up 22% on 2023.
Which countries buy butanol from South Africa?
Belgium was the largest buyer with 38% of the value ($67.9 million), followed by Germany (27%) and China (7%). The top three together account for 71%, out of 56 buyer countries in total. The United States grew fastest among the top ten, up 51% on the year.
What is the average export price of butanol per kg?
The average declared export value was about $1.15 per kg in 2024, close to the world average of $1.14 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have exports of butanol from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $151.5 million in 2017 to $179.9 million in 2024, an increase of 19%. The peak was 2022 at $225.1 million. Over 8 years the average was $164.4 million a year.
Does South Africa also import butanol?
Yes. South Africa imported $389 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly from France, China and Germany. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $179.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for butanol?
The HS code for butanol is subheading 2905.13. It sits in HS chapter 29 (organic chemicals). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2905 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
For South Africa, EximDataX reads the shipment records of the countries that trade with it and shows the companies on both sides. We can walk you through your product on a short call.
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