Non-ionic surfactant imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported non-ionic surfactant worth $64.3 million (29.7 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value rose 22% 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 | $64.3M | 29.7K t |
| 2023 | $52.9M | 22.3K t |
| 2022 | $76.8M | 30.4K t |
| 2021 | $63.8M | 26.8K t |
| 2020 | $48.1M | 24.5K t |
| 2019 | $48.9M | 22.1K t |
| 2018 | $49.0M | 24.6K t |
| 2017 | $57.9M | 26.4K t |
Where South Africa imports non-ionic surfactant from
The largest suppliers were China (17%), United States (12%), Thailand (12%). Trade is spread widely: the top three suppliers together make up only 41%. Among the main suppliers, Thailand grew fastest (+640% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $10.9M | 17% |
| United States | $7.6M | 12% |
| Thailand | $7.5M | 12% |
| Singapore | $7.3M | 11% |
| Germany | $7.1M | 11% |
| India | $6.0M | 9.3% |
| Taiwan | $4.8M | 7.5% |
| Belgium | $2.0M | 3.2% |
| Malaysia | $1.7M | 2.7% |
| Italy | $1.7M | 2.6% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.16 per kg, close to the world average of $2.64.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Non-ionic surfactant exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $3.1 million of non-ionic surfactant in 2024 (1.6 thousand tonnes). Most of it went to Ghana (29%), Zambia (27%), Botswana (5%). Among the main buyer markets, Namibia grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Ghana | $901K | 29% |
| Zambia | $834K | 27% |
| Botswana | $171K | 5.4% |
| Zimbabwe | $165K | 5.3% |
| Mauritius | $143K | 4.6% |
| United Kingdom | $130K | 4.1% |
| Kenya | $118K | 3.8% |
| Mozambique | $93K | 3% |
| DR Congo | $80K | 2.6% |
| Namibia | $75K | 2.4% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa non-ionic surfactant imports (HS 3402.13): 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 3402.13: Organic surface-active agents: non-ionic (other than soap), whether or not put up for retail sale.
Common questions
What is the value of non-ionic surfactant imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported non-ionic surfactant worth $64.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 29.7 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 27th of 204 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 22% on 2023.
Which countries supply non-ionic surfactant to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 17% of the value ($10.9 million), followed by the United States (12%) and Thailand (12%). The top three together account for 41%, out of 36 supplier countries in total. Thailand grew fastest among the top ten, up 640% on the year.
What is the average import price of non-ionic surfactant per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.16 per kg in 2024, 18% below the world average of $2.64 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of non-ionic surfactant to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $57.9 million in 2017 to $64.3 million in 2024, an increase of 11%. The peak was 2022 at $76.8 million. Over 8 years the average was $57.7 million a year.
Does South Africa also export non-ionic surfactant?
Yes. South Africa exported $3.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Ghana, Zambia and Botswana. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $61.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for non-ionic surfactant?
The HS code for non-ionic surfactant is subheading 3402.13. 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 3402 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.
Same product, other countries
World non-ionic surfactant trade: top importers and exporters
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