Lubricant imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of lubricant by South Africa reached $72.8 million in 2024 (15.5 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. 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 | $72.8M | 15.5K t |
| 2023 | $71.8M | 12.6K t |
| 2022 | $79.4M | 17.6K t |
| 2021 | $67.0M | 14.8K t |
| 2020 | $56.9M | 13.4K t |
| 2019 | $66.1M | 15.8K t |
| 2018 | $68.5M | 14.9K t |
| 2017 | $63.6M | 15.4K t |
Where South Africa imports lubricant from
Most of the value came from Germany (30%), France (14%), United States (13%). Among the main suppliers, India grew fastest (+153% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $21.8M | 30% |
| France | $10.1M | 14% |
| United States | $9.3M | 13% |
| Netherlands | $5.0M | 6.8% |
| United Kingdom | $4.2M | 5.8% |
| Italy | $4.0M | 5.5% |
| Belgium | $3.6M | 5% |
| China | $2.1M | 2.9% |
| Sweden | $1.7M | 2.4% |
| India | $1.6M | 2.3% |
Product types under HS 3403
| 3403.19 | Lubricating preparations: (other than for the treatment of textile and similar materials), containing less than 70% (by weight) of petroleum oils or… | 49% |
| 3403.99 | Lubricating preparations: other than for the treatment of textile and similar materials, not containing petroleum oils or oils obtained from… | 46% |
| 3403.91 | Lubricating preparations: for the treatment of textile and similar materials (leather, furskins etc), (not containing petroleum oils or oils obtained… | 4.3% |
| 3403.11 | Lubricating preparations: for the treatment of textile and similar materials (leather, furskins etc), containing less than 70% (by weight) of… | 1.5% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 3403.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $4.70 per kg, close to the world average of $4.73.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Lubricant exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $22.8 million of lubricant in 2024 (4.6 thousand tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Zambia (21%), DR Congo (12%), Namibia (10%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 44%.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zambia | $4.7M | 21% |
| DR Congo | $2.9M | 13% |
| Namibia | $2.4M | 11% |
| Botswana | $1.8M | 8% |
| Zimbabwe | $1.7M | 7.6% |
| Mozambique | $1.5M | 6.4% |
| Tanzania | $977K | 4.3% |
| Angola | $813K | 3.6% |
| Lesotho | $538K | 2.4% |
| Eswatini | $373K | 1.6% |
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 3403: Lubricating preparations and those used in oil or grease treatment of textile and similar materials; excluding preparations containing 70% or more (by weight) of petroleum or bituminous mineral oils.
Common questions
What is the value of lubricant imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported lubricant worth $72.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 15.5 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 38th of 225 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 1% on 2023.
Which countries supply lubricant to South Africa?
Germany was the largest supplier with 30% of the value ($21.8 million), followed by France (14%) and the United States (13%). The top three together account for 57%, out of 88 supplier countries in total. India grew fastest among the top ten, up 153% on the year.
What is the average import price of lubricant per kg?
The average declared import value was about $4.70 per kg in 2024, close to the world average of $4.73 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 lubricant to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $63.6 million in 2017 to $72.8 million in 2024, an increase of 14%. The peak was 2022 at $79.4 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export lubricant?
Yes. South Africa exported $22.8 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zambia, the DR Congo and Namibia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $50.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for lubricant?
The HS code for lubricant is heading 3403. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 3403.19 (49% of the value) and 3403.99 (46%). 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 3403 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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