Hair product exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of hair product by South Africa reached $124.7 million in 2024 (16.7 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. That is 102% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 11% 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 | $124.7M | 16.7K t |
| 2023 | $61.8M | 15.9K t |
| 2022 | $66.3M | 18.9K t |
| 2021 | $60.4M | 17.7K t |
| 2020 | $52.0M | 23.6K t |
| 2019 | $55.7M | 16.7K t |
| 2018 | $61.4M | 18.6K t |
| 2017 | $60.9M | 21.1K t |
Where South Africa exports hair product to
United Arab Emirates alone took 56% of it. Among the main buyer markets, United Arab Emirates grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United Arab Emirates | $69.6M | 56% |
| Namibia | $10.4M | 8.3% |
| Botswana | $7.8M | 6.3% |
| Tanzania | $3.7M | 3% |
| Zimbabwe | $3.4M | 2.7% |
| Mozambique | $3.1M | 2.5% |
| Lesotho | $2.8M | 2.3% |
| Zambia | $2.8M | 2.3% |
| Eswatini | $2.7M | 2.2% |
| Netherlands | $2.3M | 1.9% |
Product types under HS 3305
| 3305.90 | Hair preparations: n.e.c. in heading no. 3305 | 84% |
| 3305.20 | Hair preparations: for permanent waving or straightening | 8.8% |
| 3305.10 | Hair preparations: shampoos | 5.2% |
| 3305.30 | Hair preparations: lacquers | 1.9% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 3305.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $7.48 per kg, 36% above the world average of $5.49. 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.
Hair product imports to South Africa
South Africa imported $64.2 million of hair product in 2024 (13.0 thousand tonnes). Most of the value came from France (20%), United States (16%), Italy (11%). Trade is spread widely: the top three suppliers together make up only 46%. Among the main suppliers, Belgium grew fastest (+67% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| France | $12.6M | 20% |
| United States | $10.1M | 16% |
| Italy | $7.0M | 11% |
| China | $5.2M | 8.1% |
| Germany | $4.9M | 7.7% |
| Belgium | $4.1M | 6.3% |
| United Kingdom | $3.7M | 5.7% |
| Spain | $2.4M | 3.8% |
| Poland | $2.2M | 3.5% |
| Canada | $1.6M | 2.5% |
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 3305: Hair preparations; for use on the hair.
Common questions
What is the value of hair product exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported hair product worth $124.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 16.7 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 31st of 208 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was up 102% on 2023.
Which countries buy hair product from South Africa?
The United Arab Emirates was the largest buyer with 56% of the value ($69.6 million), followed by Namibia (8%) and Botswana (6%). The top three together account for 70%, out of 101 buyer countries in total. The Netherlands grew fastest among the top ten, up 25% on the year.
What is the average export price of hair product per kg?
The average declared export value was about $7.48 per kg in 2024, 36% above the world average of $5.49 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 exports of hair product from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $60.9 million in 2017 to $124.7 million in 2024, an increase of 105%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import hair product?
Yes. South Africa imported $64.2 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from France, the United States and Italy. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $60.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for hair product?
The HS code for hair product is heading 3305. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 3305.90 (84% of the value) and 3305.20 (9%). 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 3305 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.
More trade data for South Africa
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