Inorganic ester imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $4.3 million of inorganic ester in 2024 (1.0 thousand tonnes). Value fell 12% from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
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 | $4.3M | 1.0K t |
| 2023 | $4.9M | 1.3K t |
| 2022 | $4.4M | 1.1K t |
| 2021 | $3.6M | 767 t |
| 2020 | $3.5M | 776 t |
| 2019 | $3.1M | 631 t |
| 2018 | $3.4M | 930 t |
| 2017 | $3.0M | 1.1K t |
Where South Africa imports inorganic ester from
Most of the value came from China (49%), Germany (26%), India (18%). Among the main suppliers, India grew fastest (+187% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $2.1M | 49% |
| Germany | $1.1M | 26% |
| India | $766K | 18% |
| Chile | $83K | 1.9% |
| United Kingdom | $77K | 1.8% |
| Mexico | $45K | 1% |
| South Korea | $36K | 0.8% |
| United States | $24K | 0.6% |
| Taiwan | $23K | 0.5% |
| Netherlands | $19K | 0.4% |
Product types under HS 2920
| 2920.90 | Esters: other than thiophosphoric esters (phosphorothioates) and phosphite esters and their salts, their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or… | 46% |
| 2920.11 | Esters: thiophosphoric esters (phosphorothioates) and their salts, their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives, parathion… | 29% |
| 2920.19 | Esters: thiophosphoric esters (phosphorothioates) and their salts: other than parathion (ISO) and parathion-methyl (ISO) (methyl-parathion) | 20% |
| 2920.29 | Esters: phosphite esters and their salts: their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives, n.e.c. in heading no. 2920 | 4.5% |
| 2920.30 | Esters: of other inorganic acids of non-metals (excluding esters of hydrogen halides) and their salts: their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or… | 0% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 2920.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $4.24 per kg, 74% above the world average of $2.44. 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.
Inorganic ester exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $751 thousand of inorganic ester in 2024 (196 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Bulgaria (44%), Botswana (19%), United States (12%). Among the main buyer markets, United States grew fastest (+50% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Bulgaria | $332K | 44% |
| Botswana | $140K | 19% |
| United States | $91K | 12% |
| DR Congo | $81K | 11% |
| Mauritius | $32K | 4.2% |
| Zimbabwe | $24K | 3.2% |
| France | $18K | 2.4% |
| Kenya | $8K | 1.1% |
| Zambia | $7K | 0.9% |
| Mozambique | $6K | 0.7% |
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 2920: Esters of other inorganic acids of non-metals (other than of hydrogen halides) and their salts, their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives.
Common questions
What is the value of inorganic ester imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported inorganic ester worth $4.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.0 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 47th of 165 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 12% on 2023.
Which countries supply inorganic ester to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 49% of the value ($2.1 million), followed by Germany (26%) and India (18%). The top three together account for 92%, out of 21 supplier countries in total. India grew fastest among the top ten, up 187% on the year.
What is the average import price of inorganic ester per kg?
The average declared import value was about $4.24 per kg in 2024, 74% above the world average of $2.44 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 imports of inorganic ester to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $3.0 million in 2017 to $4.3 million in 2024, an increase of 45%. The peak was 2023 at $4.9 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export inorganic ester?
Yes. South Africa exported $751 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Bulgaria, Botswana and the United States. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $3.6 million a year.
What is the HS code for inorganic ester?
The HS code for inorganic ester is heading 2920. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 2920.90 (46% of the value) and 2920.11 (29%). It sits in HS chapter 29 (organic chemicals). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2920 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.
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