Miscellaneous essential oil exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of miscellaneous essential oil by South Africa reached $22.6 million in 2024 (723 tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. That is 23% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 11% 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 | $22.6M | 723 t |
| 2023 | $18.4M | 615 t |
| 2022 | $23.8M | 662 t |
| 2021 | $25.5M | 659 t |
| 2020 | $24.1M | 700 t |
| 2019 | $21.0M | 598 t |
| 2018 | $15.5M | 485 t |
| 2017 | $10.6M | 313 t |
Where South Africa exports miscellaneous essential oil to
The largest buyer markets were United States (28%), France (17%), Germany (9%). Among the main buyer markets, Netherlands grew fastest (+261% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $6.4M | 28% |
| France | $3.9M | 17% |
| Germany | $2.0M | 9.1% |
| Spain | $1.4M | 6.1% |
| Switzerland | $1.0M | 4.6% |
| United Kingdom | $1.0M | 4.5% |
| China | $876K | 3.9% |
| India | $687K | 3% |
| Netherlands | $587K | 2.6% |
| Eswatini | $507K | 2.2% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $31.26 per kg, close to the world average of $38.74.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Miscellaneous essential oil imports to South Africa
Imports of miscellaneous essential oil by South Africa reached $8.1 million in 2024 (406 tonnes). Most of the value came from India (17%), Eswatini (15%), France (11%). Trade is spread widely: the top three suppliers together make up only 44%. Among the main suppliers, Egypt grew fastest (+159% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $1.4M | 17% |
| Eswatini | $1.2M | 15% |
| France | $921K | 11% |
| United States | $836K | 10% |
| China | $723K | 8.9% |
| Indonesia | $506K | 6.2% |
| United Kingdom | $352K | 4.3% |
| Spain | $321K | 4% |
| Egypt | $219K | 2.7% |
| Mauritius | $181K | 2.2% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa miscellaneous essential oil exports (HS 3301.29): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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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 3301.29: Oils, essential: n.e.c. in heading no. 3301 (terpeneless or not), including concretes and absolutes.
Common questions
What is the value of miscellaneous essential oil exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported miscellaneous essential oil worth $22.6 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 723 tonnes. That ranks it 22nd of 175 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was up 23% on 2023.
Which countries buy miscellaneous essential oil from South Africa?
The United States was the largest buyer with 28% of the value ($6.4 million), followed by France (17%) and Germany (9%). The top three together account for 55%, out of 80 buyer countries in total. The Netherlands grew fastest among the top ten, up 261% on the year.
What is the average export price of miscellaneous essential oil per kg?
The average declared export value was about $31.26 per kg in 2024, 19% below the world average of $38.74 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of miscellaneous essential oil from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $10.6 million in 2017 to $22.6 million in 2024, an increase of 114%. The peak was 2021 at $25.5 million. Over 8 years the average was $20.2 million a year.
Does South Africa also import miscellaneous essential oil?
Yes. South Africa imported $8.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from India, Eswatini and France. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $14.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for miscellaneous essential oil?
The HS code for miscellaneous essential oil is subheading 3301.29. 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 miscellaneous essential oil trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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