Butylglycol ethers imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported butylglycol ethers worth $10.6 million (6.5 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 34% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 10% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2021, at $18.5 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 | $10.6M | 6.5K t |
| 2023 | $7.9M | 5.7K t |
| 2022 | $11.3M | 7.0K t |
| 2021 | $18.5M | 8.8K t |
| 2020 | $4.2M | 4.8K t |
| 2019 | $6.8M | 6.6K t |
| 2018 | $9.9M | 10.0K t |
| 2017 | $5.4M | 6.2K t |
Where South Africa imports butylglycol ethers from
One supplier dominates: Germany accounted for 78% of the value. Among the main suppliers, Germany grew fastest (+132% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $8.3M | 78% |
| France | $582K | 5.5% |
| Saudi Arabia | $454K | 4.3% |
| China | $452K | 4.3% |
| United States | $182K | 1.7% |
| Singapore | $138K | 1.3% |
| India | $103K | 1% |
| United Arab Emirates | $94K | 0.9% |
| Belgium | $81K | 0.8% |
| Netherlands | $81K | 0.8% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.62 per kg, close to the world average of $1.35.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Butylglycol ethers exports from South Africa
Exports of butylglycol ethers by South Africa reached $2.5 million in 2024 (853 tonnes). One buyer market dominates: Morocco accounted for 68% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, Morocco grew fastest (+464% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Morocco | $1.7M | 68% |
| Brazil | $215K | 8.5% |
| Zimbabwe | $158K | 6.2% |
| Namibia | $96K | 3.8% |
| Saudi Arabia | $92K | 3.6% |
| Zambia | $83K | 3.3% |
| Malawi | $60K | 2.4% |
| Germany | $24K | 0.9% |
| Botswana | $24K | 0.9% |
| Tanzania | $22K | 0.9% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa butylglycol ethers imports (HS 2909.43): 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 2909.43: Ether-alcohols and their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives: monobutyl ethers of ethylene glycol or of diethylene glycol.
Common questions
What is the value of butylglycol ethers imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported butylglycol ethers worth $10.6 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 6.5 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 22nd of 157 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 34% on 2023.
Which countries supply butylglycol ethers to South Africa?
Germany was the largest supplier with 78% of the value ($8.3 million), followed by France (5%) and Saudi Arabia (4%). The top three together account for 88%, out of 16 supplier countries in total. Germany grew fastest among the top ten, up 132% on the year.
What is the average import price of butylglycol ethers per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.62 per kg in 2024, 20% above the world average of $1.35 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of butylglycol ethers to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $5.4 million in 2017 to $10.6 million in 2024, an increase of 97%. The peak was 2021 at $18.5 million. Over 8 years the average was $9.3 million a year.
Does South Africa also export butylglycol ethers?
Yes. South Africa exported $2.5 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Morocco, Brazil and Zimbabwe. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $8.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for butylglycol ethers?
The HS code for butylglycol ethers is subheading 2909.43. It sits in HS chapter 29 (organic chemicals). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2909 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, so the companies shipping to and from it are visible. Ask for a live look at your product.
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