Essential oil extract imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of essential oil extract by South Africa reached $15.3 million in 2024 (811 tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value rose 30% 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
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $15.3M | 811 t |
| 2023 | $11.7M | 675 t |
| 2022 | $14.0M | 614 t |
| 2021 | $15.4M | 817 t |
| 2020 | $11.6M | 666 t |
| 2019 | $11.2M | 734 t |
| 2018 | $10.3M | 550 t |
| 2017 | $9.7M | 553 t |
Where South Africa imports essential oil extract from
One supplier dominates: India accounted for 68% of the value. Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+88% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $10.4M | 68% |
| China | $1.8M | 12% |
| United States | $1.5M | 9.6% |
| France | $222K | 1.5% |
| United Kingdom | $210K | 1.4% |
| Netherlands | $87K | 0.6% |
| Australia | $86K | 0.6% |
| Sri Lanka | $85K | 0.6% |
| Germany | $77K | 0.5% |
| Indonesia | $68K | 0.5% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $18.84 per kg, 48% above the world average of $12.69. This usually points to higher-grade or processed goods.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Essential oil extract exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $6.4 million of essential oil extract in 2024 (791 tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. Most of it went to Eswatini (20%), Germany (13%), Namibia (9%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 42%. Among the main buyer markets, Switzerland grew fastest (+121% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Eswatini | $1.3M | 20% |
| Germany | $827K | 13% |
| Namibia | $567K | 8.9% |
| United States | $529K | 8.3% |
| China | $505K | 7.9% |
| Botswana | $495K | 7.8% |
| Malawi | $417K | 6.6% |
| Netherlands | $277K | 4.4% |
| Switzerland | $187K | 3% |
| Lesotho | $142K | 2.2% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa essential oil extract imports (HS 3301.90): 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 3301.90: Oils, essential: concentrates in fats, fixed oils, waxes and the like, terpenic by-products, aqueous distillates and solutions, extracted oleoresins, n.e.c. in heading no. 3301.
Common questions
What is the value of essential oil extract imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported essential oil extract worth $15.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 811 tonnes. That ranks it 19th of 214 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 30% on 2023.
Which countries supply essential oil extract to South Africa?
India was the largest supplier with 68% of the value ($10.4 million), followed by China (12%) and the United States (10%). The top three together account for 89%, out of 72 supplier countries in total. France grew fastest among the top ten, up 734% on the year.
What is the average import price of essential oil extract per kg?
The average declared import value was about $18.84 per kg in 2024, 48% above the world average of $12.69 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of essential oil extract to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $9.7 million in 2017 to $15.3 million in 2024, an increase of 57%. The peak was 2021 at $15.4 million. Over 8 years the average was $12.4 million a year.
Does South Africa also export essential oil extract?
Yes. South Africa exported $6.4 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Eswatini, Germany and Namibia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $8.9 million a year.
What is the HS code for essential oil extract?
The HS code for essential oil extract is subheading 3301.90. It sits in HS chapter 33 (essential oils and resinoids; perfumery, cosmetic or toilet preparations). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3301 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.
Same product, other countries
World essential oil extract trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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