Natural colorant imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of natural colorant by South Africa reached $9.5 million in 2024 (449 tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value rose 36% 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 | $9.5M | 449 t |
| 2023 | $6.9M | 382 t |
| 2022 | $9.0M | 528 t |
| 2021 | $8.4M | 547 t |
| 2020 | $8.1M | 414 t |
| 2019 | $7.8M | 539 t |
| 2018 | $7.6M | 500 t |
| 2017 | $7.3M | 513 t |
Where South Africa imports natural colorant from
The largest suppliers were China (24%), Netherlands (16%), Italy (11%). Among the main suppliers, Ireland grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $2.3M | 24% |
| Netherlands | $1.5M | 16% |
| Italy | $1.1M | 11% |
| Germany | $872K | 9.2% |
| France | $841K | 8.9% |
| India | $762K | 8% |
| Ireland | $640K | 6.8% |
| Spain | $451K | 4.8% |
| United States | $276K | 2.9% |
| Taiwan | $272K | 2.9% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $21.10 per kg, close to the world average of $18.62.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Natural colorant exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported natural colorant worth $950 thousand (156 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Zimbabwe (22%), Mauritius (13%), United States (11%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 47%. Among the main buyer markets, United States grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $210K | 22% |
| Mauritius | $128K | 14% |
| United States | $107K | 11% |
| Germany | $93K | 9.8% |
| Zambia | $70K | 7.4% |
| Kenya | $59K | 6.2% |
| Malawi | $47K | 5% |
| Botswana | $40K | 4.2% |
| Eswatini | $30K | 3.1% |
| Namibia | $25K | 2.6% |
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 3203: Colouring matter of vegetable or animal origin (including dyeing extracts, not animal black); whether or not chemically defined; preparations based on colouring matter of vegetable or animal origin.
Common questions
What is the value of natural colorant imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported natural colorant worth $9.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 449 tonnes. That ranks it 38th of 196 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 36% on 2023.
Which countries supply natural colorant to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 24% of the value ($2.3 million), followed by the Netherlands (16%) and Italy (11%). The top three together account for 51%, out of 31 supplier countries in total. France grew fastest among the top ten, up 339% on the year.
What is the average import price of natural colorant per kg?
The average declared import value was about $21.10 per kg in 2024, 13% above the world average of $18.62 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 natural colorant to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $7.3 million in 2017 to $9.5 million in 2024, an increase of 30%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export natural colorant?
Yes. South Africa exported $950 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zimbabwe, Mauritius and the United States. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $8.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for natural colorant?
The HS code for natural colorant is heading 3203. In South Africa all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 3203.00. It sits in HS chapter 32 (tanning or dyeing extracts; tannins and their derivatives; dyes, pigments and other colouring matter; paints, varnishes; putty, other mastics; inks). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3203 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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