Glycerol (HS 2905.45) imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of glycerol (hs 2905.45) by South Africa reached $11.2 million in 2024 (19.1 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value rose 17% on 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2022, at $27.3 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 | $11.2M | 19.1K t |
| 2023 | $9.5M | 13.8K t |
| 2022 | $27.3M | 17.1K t |
| 2021 | $14.4M | 14.2K t |
| 2020 | $9.9M | 17.6K t |
| 2019 | $8.5M | 14.7K t |
| 2018 | $14.3M | 14.9K t |
| 2017 | $9.1M | 13.3K t |
Where South Africa imports glycerol (hs 2905.45) from
Most of the value came from Brazil (42%), Malaysia (33%), Indonesia (13%). Among the main suppliers, Pakistan grew fastest (+512% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Brazil | $4.8M | 42% |
| Malaysia | $3.7M | 33% |
| Indonesia | $1.5M | 13% |
| Pakistan | $392K | 3.5% |
| China | $301K | 2.7% |
| Argentina | $180K | 1.6% |
| Germany | $110K | 1% |
| Denmark | $64K | 0.6% |
| Portugal | $44K | 0.4% |
| Singapore | $34K | 0.3% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.59 per kg, 22% below the world average of $0.76, 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.
Glycerol (HS 2905.45) exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported glycerol (hs 2905.45) worth $2.4 million (1.6 thousand tonnes). Most of it went to Malawi (30%), Zambia (17%), Lesotho (11%). Among the main buyer markets, Nigeria grew fastest (+299% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Malawi | $708K | 30% |
| Zambia | $411K | 17% |
| Lesotho | $255K | 11% |
| DR Congo | $166K | 6.9% |
| Botswana | $162K | 6.7% |
| Nigeria | $138K | 5.7% |
| Zimbabwe | $113K | 4.7% |
| Namibia | $95K | 4% |
| Eswatini | $94K | 3.9% |
| Mozambique | $84K | 3.5% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa glycerol (hs 2905.45) imports (HS 2905.45): 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 2905.45: Alcohols: polyhydric, glycerol.
Common questions
What is the value of glycerol (hs 2905.45) imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported glycerol (hs 2905.45) worth $11.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 19.1 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 31st of 195 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 17% on 2023.
Which countries supply glycerol (hs 2905.45) to South Africa?
Brazil was the largest supplier with 42% of the value ($4.8 million), followed by Malaysia (33%) and Indonesia (13%). The top three together account for 89%, out of 25 supplier countries in total. Pakistan grew fastest among the top ten, up 512% on the year.
What is the average import price of glycerol (hs 2905.45) per kg?
The average declared import value was about $0.59 per kg in 2024, 22% below the world average of $0.76 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of glycerol (hs 2905.45) to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $9.1 million in 2017 to $11.2 million in 2024, an increase of 23%. The peak was 2022 at $27.3 million. Over 8 years the average was $13.0 million a year.
Does South Africa also export glycerol (hs 2905.45)?
Yes. South Africa exported $2.4 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Malawi, Zambia and Lesotho. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $8.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for glycerol (hs 2905.45)?
The HS code for glycerol (hs 2905.45) is subheading 2905.45. It sits in HS chapter 29 (organic chemicals). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2905 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 glycerol (hs 2905.45) trade: top importers and exporters
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