Inorganic acids (other) imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of inorganic acids (other) by South Africa reached $5.0 million in 2024 (4.3 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 44% more than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2022, at $10.7 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 | $5.0M | 4.3K t |
| 2023 | $3.5M | 2.9K t |
| 2022 | $10.7M | 5.8K t |
| 2021 | $6.2M | 5.0K t |
| 2020 | $4.4M | 4.9K t |
| 2019 | $4.9M | 5.2K t |
| 2018 | $6.1M | 5.7K t |
| 2017 | $4.3M | 4.3K t |
Where South Africa imports inorganic acids (other) from
The largest suppliers were Malaysia (45%), China (31%), Morocco (7%). Among the main suppliers, Morocco grew fastest (+204% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Malaysia | $2.3M | 45% |
| China | $1.6M | 32% |
| Morocco | $367K | 7.3% |
| India | $235K | 4.7% |
| Australia | $205K | 4.1% |
| Germany | $146K | 2.9% |
| United States | $98K | 1.9% |
| Spain | $59K | 1.2% |
| Italy | $26K | 0.5% |
| Turkey | $14K | 0.3% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.18 per kg, close to the world average of $1.32.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Inorganic acids (other) exports from South Africa
Exports of inorganic acids (other) by South Africa reached $764 thousand in 2024 (310 tonnes). Most of it went to Namibia (20%), Zambia (20%), DR Congo (16%). Among the main buyer markets, Malawi grew fastest (+182% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $156K | 20% |
| Zambia | $152K | 20% |
| DR Congo | $125K | 16% |
| Zimbabwe | $109K | 14% |
| Botswana | $70K | 9.2% |
| Mozambique | $58K | 7.6% |
| Eswatini | $46K | 6.1% |
| Malawi | $16K | 2.1% |
| Nigeria | $13K | 1.7% |
| Kenya | $6K | 0.8% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa inorganic acids (other) imports (HS 2811.19): 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 2811.19: Inorganic acids: other than hydrogen fluoride.
Common questions
What is the value of inorganic acids (other) imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported inorganic acids (other) worth $5.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 4.3 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 25th of 175 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 44% on 2023.
Which countries supply inorganic acids (other) to South Africa?
Malaysia was the largest supplier with 45% of the value ($2.3 million), followed by China (31%) and Morocco (7%). The top three together account for 84%, out of 24 supplier countries in total. Morocco grew fastest among the top ten, up 204% on the year.
What is the average import price of inorganic acids (other) per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.18 per kg in 2024, 11% below the world average of $1.32 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of inorganic acids (other) to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $4.3 million in 2017 to $5.0 million in 2024, an increase of 18%. The peak was 2022 at $10.7 million. Over 8 years the average was $5.6 million a year.
Does South Africa also export inorganic acids (other)?
Yes. South Africa exported $764 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Namibia, Zambia and the DR Congo. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $4.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for inorganic acids (other)?
The HS code for inorganic acids (other) is subheading 2811.19. It sits in HS chapter 28 (inorganic chemicals; organic and inorganic compounds of precious metals; of rare earth metals, of radio-active elements and of isotopes). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2811 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 inorganic acids (other) trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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