Lemon essential oil exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $15.9 million of lemon essential oil in 2024 (755 tonnes). It ranks 8th of 100 countries for exports of this product. That is 371% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 9% a year on average.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $15.9M | 755 t |
| 2023 | $3.4M | 452 t |
| 2022 | $5.4M | 698 t |
| 2021 | $7.0M | 918 t |
| 2020 | $3.9M | 610 t |
| 2019 | $6.2M | 280 t |
| 2018 | $8.9M | 305 t |
| 2017 | $8.9M | 337 t |
Where South Africa exports lemon essential oil to
One buyer market dominates: Ireland accounted for 76% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, United States grew fastest (+145% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Ireland | $12.1M | 76% |
| United States | $1.1M | 6.7% |
| Italy | $578K | 3.6% |
| United Kingdom | $351K | 2.2% |
| Germany | $325K | 2% |
| Netherlands | $298K | 1.9% |
| Brazil | $194K | 1.2% |
| France | $194K | 1.2% |
| Japan | $168K | 1.1% |
| India | $160K | 1% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $21.04 per kg, 31% below the world average of $30.44, which often means bulk or lower-grade product.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Lemon essential oil imports to South Africa
In 2024, South Africa imported lemon essential oil worth $778 thousand (19 tonnes). Most of the value came from Ireland (30%), United States (20%), Italy (18%). Among the main suppliers, Ireland grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Ireland | $231K | 30% |
| United States | $152K | 20% |
| Italy | $138K | 18% |
| Germany | $105K | 14% |
| Israel | $63K | 8.1% |
| Brazil | $32K | 4.2% |
| United Kingdom | $13K | 1.7% |
| Switzerland | $11K | 1.4% |
| India | $10K | 1.3% |
| Singapore | $7K | 0.9% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa lemon essential oil exports (HS 3301.13): 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 3301.13: Oils, essential: of lemon (terpeneless or not), including concretes and absolutes.
Common questions
What is the value of lemon essential oil exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported lemon essential oil worth $15.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 755 tonnes. That ranks it 8th of 100 countries worldwide, with 3% of world exports. The value was up 371% on 2023.
Which countries buy lemon essential oil from South Africa?
Ireland was the largest buyer with 76% of the value ($12.1 million), followed by the United States (7%) and Italy (4%). The top three together account for 87%, out of 43 buyer countries in total. The United States grew fastest among the top ten, up 145% on the year.
What is the average export price of lemon essential oil per kg?
The average declared export value was about $21.04 per kg in 2024, 31% below the world average of $30.44 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have exports of lemon essential oil from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $8.9 million in 2017 to $15.9 million in 2024, an increase of 78%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $7.5 million a year.
Does South Africa also import lemon essential oil?
Yes. South Africa imported $778 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Ireland, the United States and Italy. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $15.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for lemon essential oil?
The HS code for lemon essential oil is subheading 3301.13. It sits in HS chapter 33 (essential oils and resinoids; perfumery, cosmetic or toilet preparations). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3301 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 lemon essential oil trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
Everything we show you comes from official customs filings — records, not claims. 30 minutes. Your shipment. Your HS code. Real platform. If you don’t see something new about your market by the end of the call, we walk away. No follow-ups.