Caustic soda imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $97.4 million of caustic soda in 2024 (349.7 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 19% less than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2022, at $157.5 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 | $97.4M | 349.7K t |
| 2023 | $120.0M | 456.2K t |
| 2022 | $157.5M | 393.1K t |
| 2021 | $85.8M | 296.6K t |
| 2020 | $42.1M | 280.4K t |
| 2019 | $72.0M | 400.6K t |
| 2018 | $125.9M | 421.1K t |
| 2017 | $133.4M | 377.5K t |
Where South Africa imports caustic soda from
The largest suppliers were India (38%), Qatar (18%), China (12%). Among the main suppliers, Saudi Arabia grew fastest (+405% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $37.0M | 38% |
| Qatar | $17.8M | 18% |
| China | $12.0M | 12% |
| United States | $11.0M | 11% |
| Saudi Arabia | $6.3M | 6.5% |
| South Korea | $4.0M | 4.2% |
| Belgium | $3.1M | 3.2% |
| Singapore | $2.9M | 2.9% |
| Kuwait | $589K | 0.6% |
| France | $444K | 0.5% |
Product types under HS 2815
| 2815.12 | Sodium hydroxide (caustic soda): in aqueous solution (soda lye or liquid soda) | 67% |
| 2815.11 | Sodium hydroxide (caustic soda): solid | 26% |
| 2815.20 | Potassium hydroxide (caustic potash) | 6.2% |
| 2815.30 | Peroxides of sodium or potassium | 1.3% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 2815.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.28 per kg, close to the world average of $0.34.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Caustic soda exports from South Africa
Exports of caustic soda by South Africa reached $8.3 million in 2024 (10.7 thousand tonnes). The largest buyer markets were DR Congo (32%), Eswatini (13%), Zimbabwe (12%). Among the main buyer markets, DR Congo grew fastest (+848% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| DR Congo | $2.6M | 32% |
| Eswatini | $1.1M | 13% |
| Zimbabwe | $999K | 12% |
| Namibia | $956K | 12% |
| Botswana | $825K | 10% |
| Mozambique | $497K | 6% |
| Zambia | $290K | 3.5% |
| Malawi | $287K | 3.5% |
| Lesotho | $275K | 3.3% |
| Senegal | $135K | 1.6% |
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 2815: Sodium hydroxide (caustic soda); potassium hydroxide (caustic potash) peroxides of sodium or potassium.
Common questions
What is the value of caustic soda imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported caustic soda worth $97.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 349.7 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 17th of 216 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was down 19% on 2023.
Which countries supply caustic soda to South Africa?
India was the largest supplier with 38% of the value ($37.0 million), followed by Qatar (18%) and China (12%). The top three together account for 69%, out of 32 supplier countries in total. Saudi Arabia grew fastest among the top ten, up 405% on the year.
What is the average import price of caustic soda per kg?
The average declared import value was about $0.28 per kg in 2024, 18% below the world average of $0.34 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 caustic soda to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $133.4 million in 2017 to $97.4 million in 2024, a fall of 27%. The peak was 2022 at $157.5 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export caustic soda?
Yes. South Africa exported $8.3 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the DR Congo, Eswatini and Zimbabwe. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $89.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for caustic soda?
The HS code for caustic soda is heading 2815. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 2815.12 (67% of the value) and 2815.11 (26%). 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 2815 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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