Carbon black imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $15.2 million of carbon black in 2024 (9.5 thousand tonnes). That is 65% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 13% 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 | $15.2M | 9.5K t |
| 2023 | $9.2M | 5.1K t |
| 2022 | $10.8M | 5.3K t |
| 2021 | $13.6M | 10.2K t |
| 2020 | $6.0M | 4.4K t |
| 2019 | $6.0M | 3.3K t |
| 2018 | $5.7M | 2.7K t |
| 2017 | $6.5M | 4.8K t |
Where South Africa imports carbon black from
The largest suppliers were China (43%), Germany (12%), India (11%). Among the main suppliers, Turkey grew fastest (+428% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $6.5M | 43% |
| Germany | $1.8M | 12% |
| India | $1.7M | 11% |
| Turkey | $899K | 5.9% |
| Oman | $832K | 5.5% |
| United States | $625K | 4.1% |
| Netherlands | $490K | 3.2% |
| Czech Republic | $480K | 3.2% |
| South Korea | $342K | 2.3% |
| Switzerland | $339K | 2.2% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.60 per kg, close to the world average of $1.62.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Carbon black exports from South Africa
Exports of carbon black by South Africa reached $2.5 million in 2024 (7.4 thousand tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Malaysia (37%), Saudi Arabia (22%), Zimbabwe (19%). Among the main buyer markets, Malaysia grew fastest (+158% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Malaysia | $924K | 37% |
| Saudi Arabia | $556K | 22% |
| Zimbabwe | $484K | 19% |
| Philippines | $216K | 8.6% |
| India | $137K | 5.5% |
| Italy | $56K | 2.2% |
| Zambia | $35K | 1.4% |
| DR Congo | $25K | 1% |
| Spain | $22K | 0.9% |
| Singapore | $15K | 0.6% |
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 2803: Carbon; carbon blacks and other forms of carbon n.e.c..
Common questions
What is the value of carbon black imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported carbon black worth $15.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 9.5 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 45th of 175 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 65% on 2023.
Which countries supply carbon black to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 43% of the value ($6.5 million), followed by Germany (12%) and India (11%). The top three together account for 66%, out of 27 supplier countries in total. Turkey grew fastest among the top ten, up 428% on the year.
What is the average import price of carbon black per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.60 per kg in 2024, close to the world average of $1.62 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 carbon black to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $6.5 million in 2017 to $15.2 million in 2024, an increase of 135%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export carbon black?
Yes. South Africa exported $2.5 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Malaysia, Saudi Arabia and Zimbabwe. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $12.7 million a year.
What is the HS code for carbon black?
The HS code for carbon black is heading 2803. In South Africa all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 2803.00. It sits in HS chapter 28 (inorganic chemicals; organic and inorganic compounds of precious metals; of rare earth metals, of radio-active elements and of isotopes). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2803 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.
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