Ortho-xylene imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $9.3 million of ortho-xylene in 2024 (8.2 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value fell 38% from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2021, at $17.3 million.
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 | $9.3M | 8.2K t |
| 2023 | $14.9M | 10.8K t |
| 2022 | $15.1M | 10.8K t |
| 2021 | $17.3M | 20.0K t |
| 2020 | $7.5M | 9.9K t |
| 2019 | $8.5M | 8.8K t |
| 2018 | $8.3M | 8.6K t |
| 2017 | $9.2M | 11.1K t |
Where South Africa imports ortho-xylene from
Thailand alone supplied 71% of it.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Thailand | $6.6M | 71% |
| Netherlands | $2.7M | 29% |
| Germany | $15K | 0.2% |
| India | $0K | 0% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.13 per kg, close to the world average of $1.16.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Ortho-xylene exports from South Africa
Exports of ortho-xylene by South Africa reached $807 thousand in 2024 (660 tonnes). Zimbabwe alone took 98% of it.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $790K | 98% |
| Namibia | $6K | 0.8% |
| Zambia | $5K | 0.6% |
| Eswatini | $4K | 0.5% |
| Malawi | $1K | 0.1% |
| Botswana | $0K | 0% |
| Lesotho | $0K | 0% |
| Ukraine | $0K | 0% |
| United States | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa ortho-xylene imports (HS 2902.41): 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 2902.41: Cyclic hydrocarbons: o-xylene.
Common questions
What is the value of ortho-xylene imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported ortho-xylene worth $9.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 8.2 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 14th of 126 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was down 38% on 2023.
Which countries supply ortho-xylene to South Africa?
Thailand was the largest supplier with 71% of the value ($6.6 million), followed by the Netherlands (29%) and Germany (0%). The top three together account for 100%, out of 4 supplier countries in total. India grew fastest among the top ten, up 114% on the year.
What is the average import price of ortho-xylene per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.13 per kg in 2024, close to the world average of $1.16 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of ortho-xylene to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $9.2 million in 2017 to $9.3 million in 2024, an increase of 1%. The peak was 2021 at $17.3 million. Over 8 years the average was $11.3 million a year.
Does South Africa also export ortho-xylene?
Yes. South Africa exported $807 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zimbabwe, Namibia and Zambia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $8.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for ortho-xylene?
The HS code for ortho-xylene is subheading 2902.41. It sits in HS chapter 29 (organic chemicals). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2902 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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