Denatured alcohol exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, South Africa exported denatured alcohol worth $60.5 million (88.8 thousand tonnes). It ranks 10th of 108 countries for exports of this product. That is 26% less than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2021, at $86.6 million.
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 | $60.5M | 88.8K t |
| 2023 | $81.5M | 101.6K t |
| 2022 | $64.1M | 70.0K t |
| 2021 | $86.6M | 97.6K t |
| 2020 | $50.9M | 82.7K t |
| 2019 | $45.6M | 95.2K t |
| 2018 | $42.5M | 76.6K t |
| 2017 | $41.1M | 86.1K t |
Where South Africa exports denatured alcohol to
One buyer market dominates: United Arab Emirates accounted for 50% of the value.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United Arab Emirates | $30.5M | 50% |
| Belgium | $7.7M | 13% |
| Turkey | $6.6M | 11% |
| South Korea | $6.0M | 9.9% |
| Singapore | $1.9M | 3.2% |
| Thailand | $1.1M | 1.9% |
| China | $933K | 1.5% |
| Tanzania | $871K | 1.4% |
| Cote d'Ivoire | $841K | 1.4% |
| Kuwait | $518K | 0.9% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.68 per kg, 33% below the world average of $1.02, 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.
Denatured alcohol imports to South Africa
Imports of denatured alcohol by South Africa reached $1.1 million in 2024 (901 tonnes). One supplier dominates: Australia accounted for 52% of the value. Among the main suppliers, Australia grew fastest (+43% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | $588K | 52% |
| Chile | $520K | 46% |
| Netherlands | $8K | 0.7% |
| France | $7K | 0.6% |
| Denmark | $1K | 0.1% |
| United Kingdom | $1K | 0.1% |
| Belgium | $1K | 0.1% |
| Thailand | $0K | 0% |
| Germany | $0K | 0% |
| Italy | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa denatured alcohol exports (HS 2207.20): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
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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 2207.20: Ethyl alcohol and other spirits: denatured, of any strength.
Common questions
What is the value of denatured alcohol exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported denatured alcohol worth $60.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 88.8 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 10th of 108 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was down 26% on 2023.
Which countries buy denatured alcohol from South Africa?
The United Arab Emirates was the largest buyer with 50% of the value ($30.5 million), followed by Belgium (13%) and Turkey (11%). The top three together account for 74%, out of 54 buyer countries in total. Tanzania grew fastest among the top ten, up 154% on the year.
What is the average export price of denatured alcohol per kg?
The average declared export value was about $0.68 per kg in 2024, 33% below the world average of $1.02 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have exports of denatured alcohol from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $41.1 million in 2017 to $60.5 million in 2024, an increase of 47%. The peak was 2021 at $86.6 million. Over 8 years the average was $59.1 million a year.
Does South Africa also import denatured alcohol?
Yes. South Africa imported $1.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Australia, Chile and the Netherlands. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $59.4 million a year.
What is the HS code for denatured alcohol?
The HS code for denatured alcohol is subheading 2207.20. It sits in HS chapter 22 (beverages, spirits and vinegar). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2207 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
The totals here are public statistics; EximDataX adds the company names by reading partner countries' customs records for South Africa. Tell us your product to see it live.
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