Detergent exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of detergent by South Africa reached $315.9 million in 2024 (211.1 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. Value fell 7% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 8% a year on average.
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 | $315.9M | 211.1K t |
| 2023 | $339.0M | 211.1K t |
| 2022 | $272.9M | 174.1K t |
| 2021 | $242.0M | 173.4K t |
| 2020 | $184.3M | 146.8K t |
| 2019 | $178.1M | 132.2K t |
| 2018 | $190.1M | 134.7K t |
| 2017 | $178.8M | 136.1K t |
Where South Africa exports detergent to
The largest buyer markets were Zimbabwe (23%), Mozambique (22%), Botswana (14%).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $71.2M | 23% |
| Mozambique | $68.6M | 22% |
| Botswana | $45.4M | 14% |
| Namibia | $37.9M | 12% |
| Zambia | $21.0M | 6.7% |
| Lesotho | $15.3M | 4.9% |
| DR Congo | $14.9M | 4.7% |
| Eswatini | $9.5M | 3% |
| Malawi | $6.1M | 1.9% |
| Mauritius | $3.4M | 1.1% |
Product types under HS 3402
| 3402.90 | Washing and cleaning preparations: surface-active, whether or not containing soap (excluding those of heading no. 3401), including auxiliary washing… | 64% |
| 3402.20 | Washing and cleaning preparations: surface-active, whether or not containing soap (excluding those of heading no. 3401), put up for retail sale | 22% |
| 3402.11 | Organic surface-active agents: anionic (other than soap), whether or not put up for retail sale | 6.7% |
| 3402.19 | Organic surface-active agents: whether or not put up for retail sale, n.e.c. in heading no. 3402 | 6.4% |
| 3402.13 | Organic surface-active agents: non-ionic (other than soap), whether or not put up for retail sale | 1% |
| 3402.12 | Organic surface-active agents: cationic (other than soap), whether or not put up for retail sale | 0.7% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 3402.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.50 per kg, 20% below the world average of $1.88, 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.
Detergent imports to South Africa
In 2024, South Africa imported detergent worth $157.3 million (75.9 thousand tonnes). Most of the value came from China (16%), Germany (12%), United States (9%). Trade is spread widely: the top three suppliers together make up only 37%. Among the main suppliers, Thailand grew fastest (+658% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $24.6M | 16% |
| Germany | $18.8M | 12% |
| United States | $14.1M | 8.9% |
| France | $9.8M | 6.2% |
| Spain | $9.8M | 6.2% |
| Poland | $9.2M | 5.8% |
| India | $8.1M | 5.2% |
| Thailand | $7.9M | 5% |
| Singapore | $7.4M | 4.7% |
| Italy | $7.3M | 4.7% |
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 3402: Organic surface-active agents (not soap); surface-active, washing (including auxiliary washing) and cleaning preparations, containing soap or not, excluding those of heading no. 3401.
Common questions
What is the value of detergent exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported detergent worth $315.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 211.1 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 28th of 203 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was down 7% on 2023.
Which countries buy detergent from South Africa?
Zimbabwe was the largest buyer with 23% of the value ($71.2 million), followed by Mozambique (22%) and Botswana (14%). The top three together account for 59%, out of 129 buyer countries in total. Mauritius grew fastest among the top ten, up 114% on the year.
What is the average export price of detergent per kg?
The average declared export value was about $1.50 per kg in 2024, 20% below the world average of $1.88 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 exports of detergent from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $178.8 million in 2017 to $315.9 million in 2024, an increase of 77%. The peak was 2023 at $339.0 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import detergent?
Yes. South Africa imported $157.3 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from China, Germany and the United States. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $158.6 million a year.
What is the HS code for detergent?
The HS code for detergent is heading 3402. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 3402.90 (63% of the value) and 3402.20 (22%). It sits in HS chapter 34 (soap, organic surface-active agents; washing, lubricating, polishing or scouring preparations; artificial or prepared waxes, candles and similar articles, modelling pastes, dental waxes and dental preparations with a basis of plaster). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3402 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.
More trade data for South Africa
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