Catalyst imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $314.9 million of catalyst in 2024 (9.1 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value rose 43% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 15% 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 | $314.9M | 9.1K t |
| 2023 | $220.1M | 7.7K t |
| 2022 | $198.1M | 40.1K t |
| 2021 | $147.1M | 7.3K t |
| 2020 | $113.6M | 10.9K t |
| 2019 | $91.7M | 10.1K t |
| 2018 | $104.1M | 9.6K t |
| 2017 | $118.0M | 10.4K t |
Where South Africa imports catalyst from
Most of the value came from Poland (28%), Germany (27%), Netherlands (17%). Among the main suppliers, Netherlands grew fastest (+427% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Poland | $88.0M | 28% |
| Germany | $84.1M | 27% |
| Netherlands | $53.1M | 17% |
| United States | $19.1M | 6.1% |
| Denmark | $9.9M | 3.1% |
| North Macedonia | $9.5M | 3% |
| Czech Republic | $8.9M | 2.8% |
| Japan | $8.5M | 2.7% |
| China | $8.4M | 2.7% |
| India | $4.9M | 1.6% |
Product types under HS 3815
| 3815.12 | Catalysts, supported: reaction initiators, reaction accelerators and catalytic preparations, with precious metal or precious metal compounds as the… | 53% |
| 3815.19 | Catalysts, supported: reaction initiators, reaction accelerators and catalytic preparations, with an active substance other than nickel or precious… | 34% |
| 3815.90 | Reaction initiators, reaction accelerators and catalytic preparations, unsupported, n.e.c. or included | 8.1% |
| 3815.11 | Catalysts, supported: reaction initiators, reaction accelerators and catalytic preparations, with nickel or nickel compounds as the active substance… | 5.4% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 3815.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $34.68 per kg, 122% above the world average of $15.63. This usually points to higher-grade or processed goods.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Catalyst exports from South Africa
Exports of catalyst by South Africa reached $189.2 million in 2024 (6.0 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. The largest buyer markets were Germany (40%), Czech Republic (17%), United States (11%). Among the main buyer markets, China grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $76.6M | 41% |
| Czech Republic | $32.4M | 17% |
| United States | $21.2M | 11% |
| Turkey | $12.0M | 6.3% |
| Netherlands | $8.1M | 4.3% |
| Thailand | $6.8M | 3.6% |
| Nigeria | $6.2M | 3.3% |
| China | $6.1M | 3.2% |
| United Kingdom | $5.1M | 2.7% |
| Japan | $3.1M | 1.7% |
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 3815: Reaction initiators, reaction accelerators and catalytic preparations n.e.c. or included.
Common questions
What is the value of catalyst imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported catalyst worth $314.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 9.1 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 24th of 207 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 43% on 2023.
Which countries supply catalyst to South Africa?
Poland was the largest supplier with 28% of the value ($88.0 million), followed by Germany (27%) and the Netherlands (17%). The top three together account for 72%, out of 42 supplier countries in total. The Netherlands grew fastest among the top ten, up 427% on the year.
What is the average import price of catalyst per kg?
The average declared import value was about $34.68 per kg in 2024, 122% above the world average of $15.63 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 catalyst to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $118.0 million in 2017 to $314.9 million in 2024, an increase of 167%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export catalyst?
Yes. South Africa exported $189.2 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Germany, the Czech Republic and the United States. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $125.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for catalyst?
The HS code for catalyst is heading 3815. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 3815.12 (53% of the value) and 3815.19 (33%). It sits in HS chapter 38 (chemical products n.e.c.). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3815 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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