Coal tar pitch imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported coal tar pitch worth $52.3 million (51.6 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 3%. Value fell 23% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 18% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2022, at $71.2 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 | $52.3M | 51.6K t |
| 2023 | $68.0M | 55.0K t |
| 2022 | $71.2M | 53.6K t |
| 2021 | $46.5M | 49.5K t |
| 2020 | $21.5M | 43.5K t |
| 2019 | $20.4M | 29.4K t |
| 2018 | $29.6M | 36.6K t |
| 2017 | $16.1M | 29.8K t |
Where South Africa imports coal tar pitch from
The largest suppliers were South Korea (50%), China (31%), Belgium (14%). Among the main suppliers, Belgium grew fastest (+32% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| South Korea | $26.1M | 50% |
| China | $16.0M | 31% |
| Belgium | $7.3M | 14% |
| India | $2.7M | 5.1% |
| Zimbabwe | $221K | 0.4% |
| Germany | $25K | 0.1% |
| United States | $5K | 0% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.01 per kg, close to the world average of $0.86.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Coal tar pitch exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported coal tar pitch worth $6.1 million (10.1 thousand tonnes). Poland alone took 67% of it.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Poland | $4.1M | 67% |
| Netherlands | $611K | 10% |
| France | $565K | 9.3% |
| DR Congo | $250K | 4.1% |
| Egypt | $103K | 1.7% |
| United States | $102K | 1.7% |
| South Korea | $74K | 1.2% |
| Japan | $66K | 1.1% |
| Zimbabwe | $56K | 0.9% |
| Zambia | $52K | 0.9% |
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 2708: Pitch and pitch coke; obtained from coal tar or from other mineral tars.
Common questions
What is the value of coal tar pitch imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported coal tar pitch worth $52.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 51.6 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 14th of 113 countries worldwide, with 3% of world imports. The value was down 23% on 2023.
Which countries supply coal tar pitch to South Africa?
South Korea was the largest supplier with 50% of the value ($26.1 million), followed by China (31%) and Belgium (14%). The top three together account for 94%, out of 7 supplier countries in total. Belgium grew fastest among the top ten, up 32% on the year.
What is the average import price of coal tar pitch per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.01 per kg in 2024, 17% above the world average of $0.86 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 pitch to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $16.1 million in 2017 to $52.3 million in 2024, an increase of 225%. The peak was 2022 at $71.2 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export coal tar pitch?
Yes. South Africa exported $6.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Poland, the Netherlands and France. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $46.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for coal tar pitch?
The HS code for coal tar pitch is heading 2708. In South Africa all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 2708.10. 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 2708 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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