Glycol ethers (other alkyl) exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, South Africa exported glycol ethers (other alkyl) worth $2.4 million (726 tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. Value rose 292% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 28% a year on average.
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 | $2.4M | 726 t |
| 2023 | $607K | 225 t |
| 2022 | $473K | 140 t |
| 2021 | $976K | 391 t |
| 2020 | $146K | 94 t |
| 2019 | $91K | 44 t |
| 2018 | $1.2M | 105 t |
| 2017 | $422K | 102 t |
Where South Africa exports glycol ethers (other alkyl) to
One buyer market dominates: Morocco accounted for 53% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, Morocco grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Morocco | $1.3M | 53% |
| DR Congo | $791K | 33% |
| Kazakhstan | $144K | 6.1% |
| Zambia | $65K | 2.7% |
| United States | $25K | 1.1% |
| Zimbabwe | $22K | 0.9% |
| Ghana | $18K | 0.8% |
| China | $13K | 0.6% |
| Mozambique | $10K | 0.4% |
| Botswana | $8K | 0.3% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $3.28 per kg, 68% above the world average of $1.95. 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.
Glycol ethers (other alkyl) imports to South Africa
South Africa imported $2.0 million of glycol ethers (other alkyl) in 2024 (1.2 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Most of the value came from Brazil (36%), India (31%), China (16%). Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+175% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Brazil | $699K | 36% |
| India | $599K | 31% |
| China | $311K | 16% |
| Taiwan | $147K | 7.5% |
| Singapore | $68K | 3.5% |
| Belgium | $45K | 2.3% |
| Germany | $37K | 1.9% |
| United States | $29K | 1.5% |
| France | $19K | 1% |
| United Kingdom | $6K | 0.3% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa glycol ethers (other alkyl) exports (HS 2909.44): 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 2909.44: Ether-alcohols and their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives: monoalkylethers of ethylene glycol or of diethylene glycol n.e.c. in heading no. 2909.
Common questions
What is the value of glycol ethers (other alkyl) exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported glycol ethers (other alkyl) worth $2.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 726 tonnes. That ranks it 12th of 67 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was up 292% on 2023.
Which countries buy glycol ethers (other alkyl) from South Africa?
Morocco was the largest buyer with 53% of the value ($1.3 million), followed by the DR Congo (33%) and Kazakhstan (6%). The top three together account for 92%, out of 19 buyer countries in total. The DR Congo grew fastest among the top ten, up 311% on the year.
What is the average export price of glycol ethers (other alkyl) per kg?
The average declared export value was about $3.28 per kg in 2024, 68% above the world average of $1.95 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of glycol ethers (other alkyl) from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $422 thousand in 2017 to $2.4 million in 2024, an increase of 464%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $787 thousand a year.
Does South Africa also import glycol ethers (other alkyl)?
Yes. South Africa imported $2.0 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Brazil, India and China. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $421 thousand a year.
What is the HS code for glycol ethers (other alkyl)?
The HS code for glycol ethers (other alkyl) is subheading 2909.44. It sits in HS chapter 29 (organic chemicals). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2909 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
The totals here are public statistics; EximDataX adds the company names by reading partner countries' customs records for South Africa. Tell us your product to see it live.
Same product, other countries
World glycol ethers (other alkyl) trade: top importers and exporters
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