Liquid and cream soap exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $28.8 million of liquid and cream soap in 2024 (13.7 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. That is 50% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 9% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2018, at $65.2 million.
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 | $28.8M | 13.7K t |
| 2023 | $57.8M | 25.9K t |
| 2022 | $51.3M | 26.1K t |
| 2021 | $52.8M | 30.4K t |
| 2020 | $57.0M | 45.6K t |
| 2019 | $54.4M | 45.5K t |
| 2018 | $65.2M | 50.8K t |
| 2017 | $55.2M | 56.0K t |
Where South Africa exports liquid and cream soap to
Most of it went to Namibia (23%), Botswana (18%), Lesotho (16%). Among the main buyer markets, DR Congo grew fastest (+43% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $6.6M | 23% |
| Botswana | $5.1M | 18% |
| Lesotho | $4.7M | 16% |
| Mozambique | $3.3M | 12% |
| DR Congo | $2.8M | 9.6% |
| Eswatini | $2.7M | 9.3% |
| Zimbabwe | $1.0M | 3.5% |
| Zambia | $697K | 2.4% |
| Malawi | $300K | 1% |
| Sao Tome and Principe | $286K | 1% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.10 per kg, 63% above the world average of $1.29. 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.
Liquid and cream soap imports to South Africa
South Africa imported $5.9 million of liquid and cream soap in 2024 (5.4 thousand tonnes). The largest suppliers were Indonesia (36%), Malaysia (24%), China (6%). Among the main suppliers, United Arab Emirates grew fastest (+444% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Indonesia | $2.1M | 36% |
| Malaysia | $1.4M | 24% |
| China | $337K | 5.7% |
| United States | $337K | 5.7% |
| Turkey | $270K | 4.6% |
| Italy | $261K | 4.4% |
| Saudi Arabia | $169K | 2.9% |
| Sweden | $168K | 2.8% |
| United Arab Emirates | $136K | 2.3% |
| Netherlands | $120K | 2% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa liquid and cream soap exports (HS 3401.20): 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 3401.20: Soap: in forms n.e.c. in item no. 3401.11.
Common questions
What is the value of liquid and cream soap exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported liquid and cream soap worth $28.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 13.7 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 16th of 174 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was down 50% on 2023.
Which countries buy liquid and cream soap from South Africa?
Namibia was the largest buyer with 23% of the value ($6.6 million), followed by Botswana (18%) and Lesotho (16%). The top three together account for 57%, out of 79 buyer countries in total. Sao Tome and Principe grew fastest among the top ten, up 223% on the year.
What is the average export price of liquid and cream soap per kg?
The average declared export value was about $2.10 per kg in 2024, 63% above the world average of $1.29 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have exports of liquid and cream soap from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $55.2 million in 2017 to $28.8 million in 2024, a fall of 48%. The peak was 2018 at $65.2 million. Over 8 years the average was $52.8 million a year.
Does South Africa also import liquid and cream soap?
Yes. South Africa imported $5.9 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Indonesia, Malaysia and China. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $22.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for liquid and cream soap?
The HS code for liquid and cream soap is subheading 3401.20. It sits in HS chapter 34 (soap, organic surface-active agents; washing, lubricating, polishing or scouring preparations; artificial or prepared waxes, candles and similar articles, modelling pastes, dental waxes and dental preparations with a basis of plaster). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3401 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 liquid and cream soap trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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