Inorganic esters (other) imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported inorganic esters (other) worth $2.0 million (600 tonnes). That is 22% more than in 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 | $2.0M | 600 t |
| 2023 | $1.6M | 949 t |
| 2022 | $1.6M | 763 t |
| 2021 | $2.1M | 483 t |
| 2020 | $1.0M | 274 t |
| 2019 | $1.5M | 387 t |
| 2018 | $2.2M | 746 t |
| 2017 | $1.9M | 801 t |
Where South Africa imports inorganic esters (other) from
Germany alone supplied 51% of it. Among the main suppliers, Germany grew fastest (+120% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $1.0M | 51% |
| China | $550K | 27% |
| India | $255K | 13% |
| United Kingdom | $64K | 3.2% |
| Mexico | $45K | 2.2% |
| United States | $22K | 1.1% |
| Taiwan | $21K | 1.1% |
| South Korea | $20K | 1% |
| Italy | $6K | 0.3% |
| Switzerland | $3K | 0.2% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $3.35 per kg, 64% above the world average of $2.04. 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 esters (other) exports from South Africa
Exports of inorganic esters (other) by South Africa reached $230 thousand in 2024 (45 tonnes). Botswana alone took 61% of it. Among the main buyer markets, Kenya grew fastest (+91% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Botswana | $140K | 61% |
| Mauritius | $26K | 11% |
| Zimbabwe | $24K | 11% |
| France | $18K | 7.8% |
| Kenya | $8K | 3.5% |
| DR Congo | $3K | 1.4% |
| Zambia | $3K | 1.4% |
| Namibia | $2K | 1% |
| Madagascar | $2K | 0.9% |
| North Macedonia | $2K | 0.8% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa inorganic esters (other) imports (HS 2920.90): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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.
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 2920.90: Esters: other than thiophosphoric esters (phosphorothioates) and phosphite esters and their salts, their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives, n.e.c. in heading no. 2920.
Common questions
What is the value of inorganic esters (other) imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported inorganic esters (other) worth $2.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 600 tonnes. That ranks it 49th of 156 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 22% on 2023.
Which countries supply inorganic esters (other) to South Africa?
Germany was the largest supplier with 51% of the value ($1.0 million), followed by China (27%) and India (13%). The top three together account for 91%, out of 18 supplier countries in total. Switzerland grew fastest among the top ten, up 317% on the year.
What is the average import price of inorganic esters (other) per kg?
The average declared import value was about $3.35 per kg in 2024, 64% above the world average of $2.04 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 esters (other) to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $1.9 million in 2017 to $2.0 million in 2024, an increase of 8%. The peak was 2018 at $2.2 million. Over 8 years the average was $1.7 million a year.
Does South Africa also export inorganic esters (other)?
Yes. South Africa exported $230 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Botswana, Mauritius and Zimbabwe. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $1.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for inorganic esters (other)?
The HS code for inorganic esters (other) is subheading 2920.90. 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?
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 inorganic esters (other) trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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