Industrial fatty alcohols imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of industrial fatty alcohols by South Africa reached $11.0 million in 2024 (5.7 thousand tonnes). Value rose 13% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 8% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2022, at $26.0 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 | $11.0M | 5.7K t |
| 2023 | $9.7M | 5.4K t |
| 2022 | $26.0M | 9.9K t |
| 2021 | $8.4M | 4.0K t |
| 2020 | $6.7M | 4.9K t |
| 2019 | $6.6M | 4.5K t |
| 2018 | $7.4M | 4.7K t |
| 2017 | $6.3M | 15.6K t |
Where South Africa imports industrial fatty alcohols from
One supplier dominates: India accounted for 62% of the value. Among the main suppliers, Netherlands grew fastest (+111% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $6.8M | 62% |
| Indonesia | $1.1M | 9.6% |
| Thailand | $966K | 8.8% |
| Netherlands | $734K | 6.7% |
| Germany | $659K | 6% |
| Malaysia | $370K | 3.4% |
| United States | $144K | 1.3% |
| Spain | $99K | 0.9% |
| China | $38K | 0.3% |
| United Kingdom | $36K | 0.3% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.92 per kg, close to the world average of $1.83.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Industrial fatty alcohols exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported industrial fatty alcohols worth $130.1 million (75.2 thousand tonnes). That makes it the 6th largest exporter of this product worldwide, out of 89 countries. The largest buyer markets were United States (38%), China (27%), Singapore (13%).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $49.1M | 38% |
| China | $34.7M | 27% |
| Singapore | $17.4M | 13% |
| Belgium | $12.3M | 9.4% |
| Japan | $11.5M | 8.8% |
| Malaysia | $2.3M | 1.8% |
| Slovakia | $1.5M | 1.1% |
| South Korea | $362K | 0.3% |
| Zimbabwe | $233K | 0.2% |
| Taiwan | $217K | 0.2% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa industrial fatty alcohols imports (HS 3823.70): 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 3823.70: Industrial fatty alcohols.
Common questions
What is the value of industrial fatty alcohols imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported industrial fatty alcohols worth $11.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 5.7 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 30th of 163 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 13% on 2023.
Which countries supply industrial fatty alcohols to South Africa?
India was the largest supplier with 62% of the value ($6.8 million), followed by Indonesia (10%) and Thailand (9%). The top three together account for 80%, out of 21 supplier countries in total. The Netherlands grew fastest among the top ten, up 111% on the year.
What is the average import price of industrial fatty alcohols per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.92 per kg in 2024, close to the world average of $1.83 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of industrial fatty alcohols to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $6.3 million in 2017 to $11.0 million in 2024, an increase of 74%. The peak was 2022 at $26.0 million. Over 8 years the average was $10.3 million a year.
Does South Africa also export industrial fatty alcohols?
Yes. South Africa exported $130.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the United States, China and Singapore. That compares with imports of $11.0 million in the same year.
What is the HS code for industrial fatty alcohols?
The HS code for industrial fatty alcohols is subheading 3823.70. It sits in HS chapter 38 (chemical products n.e.c.). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3823 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, so the companies shipping to and from it are visible. Ask for a live look at your product.
Same product, other countries
World industrial fatty alcohols trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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