Orange essential oil exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $13.6 million of orange essential oil in 2024 (871 tonnes). That makes it the 10th largest exporter of this product worldwide, out of 114 countries. Value rose 20% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 17% a year on average.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
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Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $13.6M | 871 t |
| 2023 | $11.3M | 917 t |
| 2022 | $9.4M | 829 t |
| 2021 | $4.6M | 682 t |
| 2020 | $4.0M | 1.0K t |
| 2019 | $4.8M | 799 t |
| 2018 | $6.3M | 667 t |
| 2017 | $4.5M | 422 t |
Where South Africa exports orange essential oil to
Most of it went to Netherlands (38%), United States (17%), China (16%). Among the main buyer markets, China grew fastest (+175% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Netherlands | $5.1M | 38% |
| United States | $2.2M | 17% |
| China | $2.2M | 17% |
| United Kingdom | $1.4M | 10% |
| Germany | $643K | 4.7% |
| Italy | $359K | 2.7% |
| Zimbabwe | $339K | 2.5% |
| Japan | $278K | 2.1% |
| Australia | $177K | 1.3% |
| Switzerland | $152K | 1.1% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $15.58 per kg, close to the world average of $16.93.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Orange essential oil imports to South Africa
South Africa imported $4.9 million of orange essential oil in 2024 (244 tonnes). Most of the value came from Ireland (41%), United States (22%), Brazil (13%). Among the main suppliers, Italy grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Ireland | $2.0M | 41% |
| United States | $1.1M | 22% |
| Brazil | $630K | 13% |
| Zimbabwe | $348K | 7.2% |
| Italy | $195K | 4% |
| Germany | $180K | 3.7% |
| Eswatini | $172K | 3.5% |
| Netherlands | $91K | 1.9% |
| United Kingdom | $69K | 1.4% |
| Indonesia | $32K | 0.7% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa orange essential oil exports (HS 3301.12): 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 3301.12: Oils, essential: of orange (terpeneless or not), including concretes and absolutes.
Common questions
What is the value of orange essential oil exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported orange essential oil worth $13.6 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 871 tonnes. That ranks it 10th of 114 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was up 20% on 2023.
Which countries buy orange essential oil from South Africa?
The Netherlands was the largest buyer with 38% of the value ($5.1 million), followed by the United States (17%) and China (16%). The top three together account for 71%, out of 39 buyer countries in total. China grew fastest among the top ten, up 175% on the year.
What is the average export price of orange essential oil per kg?
The average declared export value was about $15.58 per kg in 2024, 8% below the world average of $16.93 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have exports of orange essential oil from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $4.5 million in 2017 to $13.6 million in 2024, an increase of 199%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $7.3 million a year.
Does South Africa also import orange essential oil?
Yes. South Africa imported $4.9 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Ireland, the United States and Brazil. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $8.7 million a year.
What is the HS code for orange essential oil?
The HS code for orange essential oil is subheading 3301.12. 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?
For South Africa, EximDataX reads the shipment records of the countries that trade with it and shows the companies on both sides. We can walk you through your product on a short call.
Same product, other countries
World orange essential oil trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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