Coal tar imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $4.0 million of coal tar in 2024 (22.2 thousand tonnes). That is 120% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 49% 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 | $4.0M | 22.2K t |
| 2023 | $1.8M | 10.4K t |
| 2022 | $1.4M | 9.1K t |
| 2021 | $1.2M | 7.6K t |
| 2020 | $452K | 3.3K t |
| 2019 | $227K | 1.1K t |
| 2018 | $619K | 1.3K t |
| 2017 | $239K | 506 t |
Where South Africa imports coal tar from
Zimbabwe alone supplied 93% of it. Among the main suppliers, Zimbabwe grew fastest (+158% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $3.7M | 93% |
| Germany | $191K | 4.8% |
| Spain | $51K | 1.3% |
| Zambia | $21K | 0.5% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.18 per kg, 62% below the world average of $0.47, 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.
Coal tar exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported coal tar worth $216 thousand (1.4 thousand tonnes). Most of it went to Botswana (48%), Lesotho (29%), Zimbabwe (12%). Among the main buyer markets, Botswana grew fastest (+284% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Botswana | $105K | 48% |
| Lesotho | $62K | 29% |
| Zimbabwe | $26K | 12% |
| Eswatini | $11K | 4.8% |
| Mozambique | $6K | 3% |
| Kenya | $3K | 1.5% |
| Zambia | $3K | 1.4% |
| Namibia | $1K | 0.2% |
| Sweden | $0K | 0% |
| Ireland | $0K | 0% |
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 2706: Tar distilled from coal, from lignite, peat and other mineral tars, whether or not dehydrated or partially distilled; including reconstituted tars.
Common questions
What is the value of coal tar imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported coal tar worth $4.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 22.2 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 17th of 100 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 120% on 2023.
Which countries supply coal tar to South Africa?
Zimbabwe was the largest supplier with 93% of the value ($3.7 million), followed by Germany (5%) and Spain (1%). The top three together account for 99%, out of 4 supplier countries in total. Zimbabwe grew fastest among the top ten, up 158% on the year.
What is the average import price of coal tar per kg?
The average declared import value was about $0.18 per kg in 2024, 62% below the world average of $0.47 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 coal tar to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $239 thousand in 2017 to $4.0 million in 2024. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export coal tar?
Yes. South Africa exported $216 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Botswana, Lesotho and Zimbabwe. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $3.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for coal tar?
The HS code for coal tar is heading 2706. In South Africa all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 2706.00. It sits in HS chapter 27 (mineral fuels, mineral oils and products of their distillation; bituminous substances; mineral waxes). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2706 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.
Same product, other countries
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
Everything we show you comes from official customs filings — records, not claims. 30 minutes. Your shipment. Your HS code. Real platform. If you don’t see something new about your market by the end of the call, we walk away. No follow-ups.