Fluorescent brightening agents imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of fluorescent brightening agents by South Africa reached $14.2 million in 2024 (2.7 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 3%. Value rose 3% on 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 .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $14.2M | 2.7K t |
| 2023 | $13.8M | 2.8K t |
| 2022 | $12.8M | 2.5K t |
| 2021 | $11.1M | 3.2K t |
| 2020 | $11.0M | 2.6K t |
| 2019 | $14.7M | 3.4K t |
| 2018 | $11.1M | 3.8K t |
| 2017 | $8.1M | 3.2K t |
Where South Africa imports fluorescent brightening agents from
One supplier dominates: China accounted for 73% of the value.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $10.4M | 73% |
| India | $3.1M | 22% |
| Belgium | $201K | 1.4% |
| Switzerland | $155K | 1.1% |
| Spain | $113K | 0.8% |
| Italy | $62K | 0.4% |
| South Korea | $57K | 0.4% |
| Mauritius | $34K | 0.2% |
| Germany | $24K | 0.2% |
| United States | $20K | 0.1% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $5.25 per kg, 48% above the world average of $3.54. 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.
Fluorescent brightening agents exports from South Africa
Exports of fluorescent brightening agents by South Africa reached $212 thousand in 2024 (33 tonnes). Zambia alone took 62% of it. Among the main buyer markets, Zimbabwe grew fastest (+47% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zambia | $132K | 62% |
| Zimbabwe | $50K | 24% |
| Tanzania | $15K | 7.1% |
| Namibia | $6K | 2.9% |
| Angola | $4K | 1.6% |
| Eswatini | $3K | 1.4% |
| DR Congo | $1K | 0.4% |
| Nigeria | $1K | 0.3% |
| Mauritius | $1K | 0.2% |
| Kenya | $0K | 0.1% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa fluorescent brightening agents imports (HS 3204.20): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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.
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 3204.20: Dyes: synthetic organic products of a kind used as fluorescent brightening agents.
Common questions
What is the value of fluorescent brightening agents imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported fluorescent brightening agents worth $14.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 2.7 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 13th of 170 countries worldwide, with 3% of world imports. The value was up 3% on 2023.
Which countries supply fluorescent brightening agents to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 73% of the value ($10.4 million), followed by India (22%) and Belgium (1%). The top three together account for 96%, out of 21 supplier countries in total. South Korea grew fastest among the top ten, up 132% on the year.
What is the average import price of fluorescent brightening agents per kg?
The average declared import value was about $5.25 per kg in 2024, 48% above the world average of $3.54 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of fluorescent brightening agents to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $8.1 million in 2017 to $14.2 million in 2024, an increase of 75%. The peak was 2019 at $14.7 million. Over 8 years the average was $12.1 million a year.
Does South Africa also export fluorescent brightening agents?
Yes. South Africa exported $212 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zambia, Zimbabwe and Tanzania. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $14.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for fluorescent brightening agents?
The HS code for fluorescent brightening agents is subheading 3204.20. 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 3204 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 fluorescent brightening agents trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
Everything we show you comes from official customs filings — records, not claims. 30 minutes. Your shipment. Your HS code. Real platform. If you don’t see something new about your market by the end of the call, we walk away. No follow-ups.