Glycerol imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $3.3 million of glycerol in 2024 (9.9 thousand tonnes). Value rose 28% on 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2022, at $7.8 million.
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 | $3.3M | 9.9K t |
| 2023 | $2.6M | 8.4K t |
| 2022 | $7.8M | 9.1K t |
| 2021 | $4.2M | 9.5K t |
| 2020 | $2.8M | 9.7K t |
| 2019 | $1.8M | 8.0K t |
| 2018 | $3.6M | 8.1K t |
| 2017 | $2.9M | 8.6K t |
Where South Africa imports glycerol from
Most of the value came from Portugal (42%), Brazil (31%), Argentina (13%). Among the main suppliers, Spain grew fastest (+606% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Portugal | $1.4M | 43% |
| Brazil | $1.0M | 31% |
| Argentina | $412K | 13% |
| Indonesia | $250K | 7.6% |
| Spain | $102K | 3.1% |
| France | $89K | 2.7% |
| Germany | $15K | 0.5% |
| United States | $5K | 0.1% |
| United Kingdom | $2K | 0.1% |
| India | $1K | 0% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.33 per kg, close to the world average of $0.30.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Glycerol exports from South Africa
Exports of glycerol by South Africa reached $892 thousand in 2024 (305 tonnes). Botswana alone took 54% of it. Among the main buyer markets, Kenya grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Botswana | $480K | 54% |
| Ethiopia | $98K | 11% |
| Mozambique | $64K | 7.1% |
| DR Congo | $52K | 5.9% |
| Kenya | $39K | 4.4% |
| Malawi | $30K | 3.4% |
| Lesotho | $26K | 2.9% |
| Mauritania | $20K | 2.2% |
| Angola | $18K | 2.1% |
| United Kingdom | $16K | 1.8% |
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 1520: Glycerol, crude; glycerol waters and glycerol lyes.
Common questions
What is the value of glycerol imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported glycerol worth $3.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 9.9 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 23rd of 158 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 28% on 2023.
Which countries supply glycerol to South Africa?
Portugal was the largest supplier with 42% of the value ($1.4 million), followed by Brazil (31%) and Argentina (13%). The top three together account for 86%, out of 15 supplier countries in total. Spain grew fastest among the top ten, up 606% on the year.
What is the average import price of glycerol per kg?
The average declared import value was about $0.33 per kg in 2024, 10% above the world average of $0.30 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 imports of glycerol to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $2.9 million in 2017 to $3.3 million in 2024, an increase of 12%. The peak was 2022 at $7.8 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export glycerol?
Yes. South Africa exported $892 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Botswana, Ethiopia and Mozambique. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $2.4 million a year.
What is the HS code for glycerol?
The HS code for glycerol is heading 1520. In South Africa all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 1520.00. It sits in HS chapter 15 (animal, vegetable or microbial fats and oils and their cleavage products; prepared edible fats; animal or vegetable waxes). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 1520 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.
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