Methanol exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, South Africa exported methanol worth $12.9 million (17.1 thousand tonnes). That is 130% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 21% 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 | $12.9M | 17.1K t |
| 2023 | $5.6M | 9.3K t |
| 2022 | $3.1M | 5.1K t |
| 2021 | $3.7M | 7.4K t |
| 2020 | $4.2M | 16.8K t |
| 2019 | $4.7M | 11.9K t |
| 2018 | $7.0M | 13.0K t |
| 2017 | $3.4M | 8.5K t |
Where South Africa exports methanol to
Most of it went to Zimbabwe (42%), Senegal (41%), Angola (8%). Among the main buyer markets, Zimbabwe grew fastest (+288% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $5.5M | 42% |
| Senegal | $5.2M | 41% |
| Angola | $1.1M | 8.5% |
| China | $351K | 2.7% |
| Mauritania | $231K | 1.8% |
| Zambia | $141K | 1.1% |
| DR Congo | $136K | 1.1% |
| Namibia | $91K | 0.7% |
| Botswana | $66K | 0.5% |
| Lesotho | $46K | 0.4% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.76 per kg, 138% above the world average of $0.32. 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.
Methanol imports to South Africa
South Africa imported $11.4 million of methanol in 2024 (33.6 thousand tonnes). Saudi Arabia alone supplied 73% of it.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia | $8.3M | 73% |
| Venezuela | $2.7M | 24% |
| Germany | $96K | 0.9% |
| United Kingdom | $80K | 0.7% |
| Thailand | $52K | 0.5% |
| France | $49K | 0.4% |
| United States | $43K | 0.4% |
| Trinidad and Tobago | $14K | 0.1% |
| Belgium | $10K | 0.1% |
| Poland | $10K | 0.1% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa methanol exports (HS 2905.11): 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 2905.11: Alcohols: saturated monohydric, methanol (methyl alcohol).
Common questions
What is the value of methanol exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported methanol worth $12.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 17.1 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 36th of 98 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was up 130% on 2023.
Which countries buy methanol from South Africa?
Zimbabwe was the largest buyer with 42% of the value ($5.5 million), followed by Senegal (41%) and Angola (8%). The top three together account for 91%, out of 26 buyer countries in total. Zimbabwe grew fastest among the top ten, up 288% on the year.
What is the average export price of methanol per kg?
The average declared export value was about $0.76 per kg in 2024, 138% above the world average of $0.32 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have exports of methanol from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $3.4 million in 2017 to $12.9 million in 2024, an increase of 278%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $5.6 million a year.
Does South Africa also import methanol?
Yes. South Africa imported $11.4 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Saudi Arabia, Venezuela and Germany. That compares with exports of $12.9 million in the same year.
What is the HS code for methanol?
The HS code for methanol is subheading 2905.11. It sits in HS chapter 29 (organic chemicals). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2905 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.
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