Ceramic pigment exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $33.8 million of ceramic pigment in 2024 (2.8 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. Value rose 688% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 40% a year on average.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $33.8M | 2.8K t |
| 2023 | $4.3M | 2.0K t |
| 2022 | $3.5M | 1.5K t |
| 2021 | $4.1M | 1.6K t |
| 2020 | $2.7M | 1.3K t |
| 2019 | $2.9M | 1.4K t |
| 2018 | $3.2M | 1.8K t |
| 2017 | $3.3M | 1.7K t |
Where South Africa exports ceramic pigment to
United Arab Emirates alone took 86% of it.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United Arab Emirates | $29.0M | 86% |
| Zimbabwe | $2.2M | 6.4% |
| Zambia | $931K | 2.8% |
| Mozambique | $455K | 1.4% |
| China | $228K | 0.7% |
| Tanzania | $201K | 0.6% |
| Eswatini | $131K | 0.4% |
| Malawi | $128K | 0.4% |
| Angola | $94K | 0.3% |
| Australia | $69K | 0.2% |
Product types under HS 3207
| 3207.40 | Glass: glass frit and other glass, in the form of powder, granules or flakes | 87% |
| 3207.20 | Enamels and glazes: vitrifiable enamels and glazes, engobes (slips) and similar preparations | 5.8% |
| 3207.30 | Lustres: liquid lustres and similar preparations | 3.9% |
| 3207.10 | Pigments: prepared pigments, opacifiers, colours and similar preparations | 3.6% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 3207.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $11.91 per kg, 569% above the world average of $1.78. 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.
Ceramic pigment imports to South Africa
In 2024, South Africa imported ceramic pigment worth $23.9 million (19.1 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. The largest suppliers were Italy (17%), Spain (16%), China (16%). Trade is spread widely: the top three suppliers together make up only 50%. Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+102% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Italy | $4.1M | 17% |
| Spain | $3.9M | 16% |
| China | $3.9M | 16% |
| Turkey | $3.2M | 14% |
| Brazil | $2.4M | 9.9% |
| Egypt | $1.8M | 7.7% |
| Netherlands | $1.6M | 6.7% |
| Vietnam | $829K | 3.5% |
| Germany | $703K | 2.9% |
| United States | $492K | 2.1% |
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 3207: Pigments, prepared; opacifiers, colours, vitrifiable enamels, glazes, engobes (slips), liquid lustres etc as used in the ceramic enamelling or glass industry; glass frit and powder, granules or flakes.
Common questions
What is the value of ceramic pigment exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported ceramic pigment worth $33.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 2.8 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 22nd of 130 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was up 688% on 2023.
Which countries buy ceramic pigment from South Africa?
The United Arab Emirates was the largest buyer with 86% of the value ($29.0 million), followed by Zimbabwe (6%) and Zambia (3%). The top three together account for 95%, out of 38 buyer countries in total. Malawi grew fastest among the top ten, up 379% on the year.
What is the average export price of ceramic pigment per kg?
The average declared export value was about $11.91 per kg in 2024, 569% above the world average of $1.78 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 exports of ceramic pigment from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $3.3 million in 2017 to $33.8 million in 2024, an increase of 931%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import ceramic pigment?
Yes. South Africa imported $23.9 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Italy, Spain and China. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $9.9 million a year.
What is the HS code for ceramic pigment?
The HS code for ceramic pigment is heading 3207. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 3207.40 (87% of the value) and 3207.20 (6%). It sits in HS chapter 32 (tanning or dyeing extracts; tannins and their derivatives; dyes, pigments and other colouring matter; paints, varnishes; putty, other mastics; inks). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3207 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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