Menthol imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported menthol worth $2.9 million (166 tonnes). Value rose 7% on 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 | $2.9M | 166 t |
| 2023 | $2.7M | 147 t |
| 2022 | $2.4M | 142 t |
| 2021 | $2.6M | 148 t |
| 2020 | $2.5M | 135 t |
| 2019 | $2.3M | 92 t |
| 2018 | $2.7M | 101 t |
| 2017 | $2.2M | 111 t |
Where South Africa imports menthol from
Most of the value came from Germany (37%), China (31%), India (22%). Among the main suppliers, India grew fastest (+37% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $1.1M | 37% |
| China | $896K | 31% |
| India | $637K | 22% |
| Lithuania | $253K | 8.8% |
| Turkey | $11K | 0.4% |
| Switzerland | $8K | 0.3% |
| United Kingdom | $6K | 0.2% |
| Malaysia | $3K | 0.1% |
| Spain | $2K | 0.1% |
| United States | $1K | 0% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $17.30 per kg, 40% above the world average of $12.32. 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.
Menthol exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $803 thousand of menthol in 2024 (56 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Eswatini (40%), Kenya (19%), Zimbabwe (15%). Among the main buyer markets, Eswatini grew fastest (+131% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Eswatini | $319K | 40% |
| Kenya | $153K | 19% |
| Zimbabwe | $119K | 15% |
| Nigeria | $104K | 13% |
| Zambia | $102K | 13% |
| Botswana | $3K | 0.4% |
| Namibia | $2K | 0.2% |
| Lesotho | $2K | 0.2% |
| DR Congo | $0K | 0.1% |
| United Kingdom | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa menthol imports (HS 2906.11): 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 2906.11: Alcohols: cyclanic, cyclenic or cycloterpenic and derivatives, menthol.
Common questions
What is the value of menthol imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported menthol worth $2.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 166 tonnes. That ranks it 31st of 171 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 7% on 2023.
Which countries supply menthol to South Africa?
Germany was the largest supplier with 37% of the value ($1.1 million), followed by China (31%) and India (22%). The top three together account for 90%, out of 15 supplier countries in total. Turkey grew fastest among the top ten, up 210% on the year.
What is the average import price of menthol per kg?
The average declared import value was about $17.30 per kg in 2024, 40% above the world average of $12.32 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of menthol to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $2.2 million in 2017 to $2.9 million in 2024, an increase of 34%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $2.5 million a year.
Does South Africa also export menthol?
Yes. South Africa exported $803 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Eswatini, Kenya and Zimbabwe. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $2.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for menthol?
The HS code for menthol is subheading 2906.11. It sits in HS chapter 29 (organic chemicals). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2906 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.
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