Paint imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $3.3 million of paint in 2024 (499 tonnes). Value rose 12% 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 | $3.3M | 499 t |
| 2023 | $2.9M | 501 t |
| 2022 | $2.8M | 424 t |
| 2021 | $2.9M | 539 t |
| 2020 | $2.1M | 352 t |
| 2019 | $3.5M | 769 t |
| 2018 | $3.6M | 959 t |
| 2017 | $3.2M | 743 t |
Where South Africa imports paint from
Most of the value came from Italy (24%), Sweden (20%), Germany (15%). Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Italy | $796K | 25% |
| Sweden | $665K | 21% |
| Germany | $476K | 15% |
| United Kingdom | $323K | 9.9% |
| United States | $244K | 7.5% |
| Spain | $130K | 4% |
| Poland | $99K | 3.1% |
| China | $81K | 2.5% |
| Belgium | $80K | 2.5% |
| France | $71K | 2.2% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $6.52 per kg, 34% above the world average of $4.85. This usually points to higher-grade or processed goods.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Paint exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported paint worth $1.8 million (547 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Namibia (36%), Angola (20%), Lesotho (7%). Among the main buyer markets, DR Congo grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $646K | 36% |
| Angola | $354K | 20% |
| Lesotho | $132K | 7.4% |
| Kenya | $116K | 6.5% |
| Zimbabwe | $108K | 6% |
| United Arab Emirates | $87K | 4.9% |
| Botswana | $66K | 3.7% |
| DR Congo | $53K | 3% |
| Eswatini | $51K | 2.8% |
| Mozambique | $48K | 2.7% |
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 3210: Paints and varnishes (including enamels, lacquers and distempers), excluding those of heading no. 3209, prepared water pigments of a kind used for finishing leather.
Common questions
What is the value of paint imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported paint worth $3.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 499 tonnes. That ranks it 54th of 220 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 12% on 2023.
Which countries supply paint to South Africa?
Italy was the largest supplier with 24% of the value ($796 thousand), followed by Sweden (20%) and Germany (15%). The top three together account for 60%, out of 32 supplier countries in total. Spain grew fastest among the top ten, up 273% on the year.
What is the average import price of paint per kg?
The average declared import value was about $6.52 per kg in 2024, 34% above the world average of $4.85 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 paint to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $3.2 million in 2017 to $3.3 million in 2024, an increase of 2%. The peak was 2018 at $3.6 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export paint?
Yes. South Africa exported $1.8 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Namibia, Angola and Lesotho. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $1.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for paint?
The HS code for paint is heading 3210. In South Africa all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 3210.00. 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 3210 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.
Same product, other countries
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
Everything we show you comes from official customs filings — records, not claims. 30 minutes. Your shipment. Your HS code. Real platform. If you don’t see something new about your market by the end of the call, we walk away. No follow-ups.