Citrus essential oil exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $14.7 million of citrus essential oil in 2024 (700 tonnes). It ranks 9th of 139 countries for exports of this product. That is 16% more than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
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 | $14.7M | 700 t |
| 2023 | $12.7M | 919 t |
| 2022 | $12.1M | 1.1K t |
| 2021 | $8.1M | 918 t |
| 2020 | $9.4M | 1.1K t |
| 2019 | $10.9M | 1.1K t |
| 2018 | $14.8M | 775 t |
| 2017 | $15.3M | 888 t |
Where South Africa exports citrus essential oil to
The largest buyer markets were United States (50%), Lesotho (12%), Germany (7%). Among the main buyer markets, United States grew fastest (+79% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $7.3M | 50% |
| Lesotho | $1.8M | 12% |
| Germany | $965K | 6.6% |
| China | $951K | 6.5% |
| Netherlands | $846K | 5.8% |
| Eswatini | $614K | 4.2% |
| United Kingdom | $489K | 3.3% |
| Japan | $457K | 3.1% |
| India | $235K | 1.6% |
| France | $235K | 1.6% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $21.02 per kg, 58% below the world average of $50.06, 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.
Citrus essential oil imports to South Africa
In 2024, South Africa imported citrus essential oil worth $2.0 million (73 tonnes). Most of the value came from United Kingdom (26%), Mexico (18%), United States (17%). Among the main suppliers, India grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | $541K | 26% |
| Mexico | $359K | 18% |
| United States | $339K | 17% |
| Italy | $120K | 5.9% |
| Netherlands | $113K | 5.5% |
| Zimbabwe | $112K | 5.5% |
| India | $71K | 3.5% |
| Mauritius | $68K | 3.3% |
| China | $65K | 3.2% |
| Germany | $55K | 2.7% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa citrus essential oil exports (HS 3301.19): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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Mirror data: built from the shipment records of the countries that trade with it.
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 3301.19: Oils, essential: of citrus fruits n.e.c. in heading no. 3301 (terpeneless or not), including concretes and absolutes.
Common questions
What is the value of citrus essential oil exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported citrus essential oil worth $14.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 700 tonnes. That ranks it 9th of 139 countries worldwide, with 2% of world exports. The value was up 16% on 2023.
Which countries buy citrus essential oil from South Africa?
The United States was the largest buyer with 50% of the value ($7.3 million), followed by Lesotho (12%) and Germany (7%). The top three together account for 68%, out of 66 buyer countries in total. France grew fastest among the top ten, up 304% on the year.
What is the average export price of citrus essential oil per kg?
The average declared export value was about $21.02 per kg in 2024, 58% below the world average of $50.06 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have exports of citrus essential oil from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $15.3 million in 2017 to $14.7 million in 2024, a fall of 4%. The peak was 2017 at $15.3 million. Over 8 years the average was $12.3 million a year.
Does South Africa also import citrus essential oil?
Yes. South Africa imported $2.0 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from the United Kingdom, Mexico and the United States. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $12.7 million a year.
What is the HS code for citrus essential oil?
The HS code for citrus essential oil is subheading 3301.19. It sits in HS chapter 33 (essential oils and resinoids; perfumery, cosmetic or toilet preparations). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3301 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, so the companies shipping to and from it are visible. Ask for a live look at your product.
Same product, other countries
World citrus essential oil trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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