Candle imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $9.8 million of candle in 2024 (7.8 thousand tonnes). Value fell 15% from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
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 | $9.8M | 7.8K t |
| 2023 | $11.5M | 8.3K t |
| 2022 | $12.0M | 5.5K t |
| 2021 | $8.3M | 3.3K t |
| 2020 | $6.2M | 5.0K t |
| 2019 | $7.3M | 4.7K t |
| 2018 | $6.6M | 3.5K t |
| 2017 | $5.8M | 3.6K t |
Where South Africa imports candle from
One supplier dominates: China accounted for 72% of the value.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $7.1M | 72% |
| Lesotho | $863K | 8.8% |
| Vietnam | $290K | 3% |
| France | $276K | 2.8% |
| Czech Republic | $223K | 2.3% |
| Poland | $205K | 2.1% |
| United Kingdom | $184K | 1.9% |
| Italy | $164K | 1.7% |
| India | $157K | 1.6% |
| United States | $123K | 1.3% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.26 per kg, 64% below the world average of $3.48, 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.
Candle exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $7.7 million of candle in 2024 (2.7 thousand tonnes). Most of it went to Botswana (25%), Eswatini (16%), Zimbabwe (15%). Among the main buyer markets, Tanzania grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Botswana | $1.9M | 25% |
| Eswatini | $1.2M | 16% |
| Zimbabwe | $1.2M | 15% |
| Mozambique | $1.1M | 14% |
| Namibia | $793K | 10% |
| Lesotho | $639K | 8.3% |
| Zambia | $178K | 2.3% |
| United States | $144K | 1.9% |
| Tanzania | $129K | 1.7% |
| Germany | $108K | 1.4% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
Public statistics stop at country totals and the last published year. EximDataX shows the shipment records underneath: the companies, dates, quantities and declared values, updated weekly.
Shipment records are in the platform
Tell us what you trade and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
Mirror data: built from the shipment records of the countries that trade with it.
Updated weekly on EximDataX (some markets daily), while public statistics stop at 2024.
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 3406: Candles, tapers and the like.
Common questions
What is the value of candle imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported candle worth $9.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 7.8 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 45th of 218 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 15% on 2023.
Which countries supply candle to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 72% of the value ($7.1 million), followed by Lesotho (9%) and Vietnam (3%). The top three together account for 84%, out of 65 supplier countries in total. Italy grew fastest among the top ten, up 135% on the year.
What is the average import price of candle per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.26 per kg in 2024, 64% below the world average of $3.48 per kg. It is total declared value divided by total weight, so it blends every grade and size; use it as a benchmark, not a quote. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
How have imports of candle to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $5.8 million in 2017 to $9.8 million in 2024, an increase of 68%. The peak was 2022 at $12.0 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export candle?
Yes. South Africa exported $7.7 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Botswana, Eswatini and Zimbabwe. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $2.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for candle?
The HS code for candle is heading 3406. In South Africa all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 3406.00. 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 3406 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
Public statistics stop at country totals. EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, updated weekly, so you can see the companies that ship to and from it. Tell us your product and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
Same product, other countries
More trade data for South Africa
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