Disinfectant exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, South Africa exported disinfectant worth $19.0 million (6.2 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. That is close to the 2023 level. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2020, at $29.2 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 | $19.0M | 6.2K t |
| 2023 | $19.1M | 6.1K t |
| 2022 | $19.2M | 5.4K t |
| 2021 | $18.9M | 6.5K t |
| 2020 | $29.2M | 8.2K t |
| 2019 | $12.3M | 3.6K t |
| 2018 | $12.4M | 3.9K t |
| 2017 | $11.2M | 4.5K t |
Where South Africa exports disinfectant to
The largest buyer markets were Zimbabwe (15%), Nigeria (12%), Zambia (8%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 35%. Among the main buyer markets, United Arab Emirates grew fastest (+317% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $2.9M | 15% |
| Nigeria | $2.2M | 12% |
| Zambia | $1.5M | 7.8% |
| Australia | $1.0M | 5.5% |
| Turkey | $1.0M | 5.4% |
| Botswana | $1.0M | 5.3% |
| Brazil | $982K | 5.2% |
| Namibia | $795K | 4.2% |
| Mozambique | $753K | 4% |
| United Arab Emirates | $656K | 3.5% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $3.09 per kg, close to the world average of $3.01.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Disinfectant imports to South Africa
Imports of disinfectant by South Africa reached $7.4 million in 2024 (2.0 thousand tonnes). Most of the value came from Germany (17%), United Kingdom (16%), China (16%). Trade is spread widely: the top three suppliers together make up only 49%. Among the main suppliers, Germany grew fastest (+94% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $1.3M | 17% |
| United Kingdom | $1.2M | 16% |
| China | $1.2M | 16% |
| United States | $912K | 12% |
| Spain | $634K | 8.6% |
| Belgium | $625K | 8.5% |
| India | $252K | 3.4% |
| Switzerland | $183K | 2.5% |
| France | $166K | 2.3% |
| Poland | $147K | 2% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa disinfectant exports (HS 3808.94): 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 3808.94: Disinfectants: other than containing goods specified in Subheading Note 1 in this Chapter: put up in forms or packings for retail sale or as preparations or articles.
Common questions
What is the value of disinfectant exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported disinfectant worth $19.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 6.2 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 29th of 149 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was down 0% on 2023.
Which countries buy disinfectant from South Africa?
Zimbabwe was the largest buyer with 15% of the value ($2.9 million), followed by Nigeria (12%) and Zambia (8%). The top three together account for 35%, out of 70 buyer countries in total. The United Arab Emirates grew fastest among the top ten, up 317% on the year.
What is the average export price of disinfectant per kg?
The average declared export value was about $3.09 per kg in 2024, close to the world average of $3.01 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of disinfectant from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $11.2 million in 2017 to $19.0 million in 2024, an increase of 71%. The peak was 2020 at $29.2 million. Over 8 years the average was $17.6 million a year.
Does South Africa also import disinfectant?
Yes. South Africa imported $7.4 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Germany, the United Kingdom and China. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $11.6 million a year.
What is the HS code for disinfectant?
The HS code for disinfectant is subheading 3808.94. It sits in HS chapter 38 (chemical products n.e.c.). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3808 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
For South Africa, EximDataX reads the shipment records of the countries that trade with it and shows the companies on both sides. We can walk you through your product on a short call.
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