Inorganic tanning substances imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported inorganic tanning substances worth $3.9 million (1.7 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 2%. The value was almost unchanged 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 | $3.9M | 1.7K t |
| 2023 | $3.9M | 1.6K t |
| 2022 | $4.1M | 1.7K t |
| 2021 | $4.1M | 2.6K t |
| 2020 | $3.4M | 2.0K t |
| 2019 | $3.4M | 2.7K t |
| 2018 | $3.4M | 1.9K t |
| 2017 | $4.5M | 2.8K t |
Where South Africa imports inorganic tanning substances from
The largest suppliers were Germany (22%), Netherlands (16%), France (13%). Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+418% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $851K | 22% |
| Netherlands | $630K | 16% |
| France | $495K | 13% |
| Peru | $438K | 11% |
| Spain | $398K | 10% |
| Italy | $390K | 9.9% |
| India | $385K | 9.8% |
| China | $147K | 3.7% |
| Brazil | $44K | 1.1% |
| South Korea | $39K | 1% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.32 per kg, 58% above the world average of $1.47. 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 tanning substances exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $39.9 million of inorganic tanning substances in 2024 (41.4 thousand tonnes). It ranks 1st of 91 countries for exports of this product. The largest buyer markets were Brazil (24%), China (20%), Pakistan (9%). Among the main buyer markets, Pakistan grew fastest (+63% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Brazil | $9.6M | 24% |
| China | $7.9M | 20% |
| Pakistan | $3.4M | 8.5% |
| Thailand | $3.1M | 7.9% |
| Bangladesh | $2.6M | 6.6% |
| Mexico | $2.4M | 6% |
| Italy | $2.0M | 5.1% |
| Vietnam | $662K | 1.7% |
| Turkey | $659K | 1.7% |
| New Zealand | $586K | 1.5% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa inorganic tanning substances imports (HS 3202.90): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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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 3202.90: Tanning substances: inorganic tanning substances: tanning preparations, whether or not containing natural tanning substances: enzymatic preparations for pre- tanning.
Common questions
What is the value of inorganic tanning substances imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported inorganic tanning substances worth $3.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.7 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 19th of 167 countries worldwide, with 2% of world imports. The value was up 2% on 2023.
Which countries supply inorganic tanning substances to South Africa?
Germany was the largest supplier with 22% of the value ($851 thousand), followed by the Netherlands (16%) and France (13%). The top three together account for 50%, out of 21 supplier countries in total. China grew fastest among the top ten, up 418% on the year.
What is the average import price of inorganic tanning substances per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.32 per kg in 2024, 58% above the world average of $1.47 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of inorganic tanning substances to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $4.5 million in 2017 to $3.9 million in 2024, a fall of 12%. The peak was 2017 at $4.5 million. Over 8 years the average was $3.8 million a year.
Does South Africa also export inorganic tanning substances?
Yes. South Africa exported $39.9 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Brazil, China and Pakistan. That compares with imports of $3.9 million in the same year.
What is the HS code for inorganic tanning substances?
The HS code for inorganic tanning substances is subheading 3202.90. It sits in HS chapter 32 (tanning or dyeing extracts; tannins and their derivatives; dyes, pigments and other colouring matter; paints, varnishes; putty, other mastics; inks). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3202 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 inorganic tanning substances trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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