Color lake imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of color lake by South Africa reached $6.4 million in 2024 (613 tonnes). Its share of world imports was 2%. Value rose 3% on 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
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Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $6.4M | 613 t |
| 2023 | $6.2M | 514 t |
| 2022 | $6.6M | 558 t |
| 2021 | $5.1M | 431 t |
| 2020 | $6.6M | 592 t |
| 2019 | $7.5M | 712 t |
| 2018 | $7.5M | 664 t |
| 2017 | $5.9M | 712 t |
Where South Africa imports color lake from
India alone supplied 89% of it.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $5.7M | 89% |
| United Kingdom | $436K | 6.8% |
| United States | $97K | 1.5% |
| Mexico | $88K | 1.4% |
| Germany | $15K | 0.2% |
| Norway | $11K | 0.2% |
| Netherlands | $7K | 0.1% |
| Belgium | $7K | 0.1% |
| Singapore | $5K | 0.1% |
| South Korea | $3K | 0% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $10.41 per kg, 46% below the world average of $19.39, 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.
Color lake exports from South Africa
Exports of color lake by South Africa reached $1.4 million in 2024 (473 tonnes). Most of it went to Angola (41%), Eswatini (37%), Nigeria (7%). Among the main buyer markets, Nigeria grew fastest (+142% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Angola | $574K | 41% |
| Eswatini | $515K | 37% |
| Nigeria | $98K | 7% |
| Bangladesh | $71K | 5.1% |
| Germany | $48K | 3.4% |
| Zambia | $23K | 1.6% |
| Kenya | $17K | 1.2% |
| Australia | $10K | 0.7% |
| Mauritius | $8K | 0.6% |
| Malawi | $7K | 0.5% |
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
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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 3205: Colour lakes; preparations based on colour lakes as specified in note 3 to this chapter.
Common questions
What is the value of color lake imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported color lake worth $6.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 613 tonnes. That ranks it 16th of 173 countries worldwide, with 2% of world imports. The value was up 3% on 2023.
Which countries supply color lake to South Africa?
India was the largest supplier with 89% of the value ($5.7 million), followed by the United Kingdom (7%) and the United States (2%). The top three together account for 98%, out of 18 supplier countries in total. India grew fastest among the top ten, up 23% on the year.
What is the average import price of color lake per kg?
The average declared import value was about $10.41 per kg in 2024, 46% below the world average of $19.39 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 color lake to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $5.9 million in 2017 to $6.4 million in 2024, an increase of 8%. The peak was 2019 at $7.5 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export color lake?
Yes. South Africa exported $1.4 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Angola, Eswatini and Nigeria. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $5.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for color lake?
The HS code for color lake is heading 3205. In South Africa all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 3205.00. 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 3205 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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