Paint pigment imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of paint pigment by South Africa reached $15.0 million in 2024 (3.4 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 11% more than in 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 | $15.0M | 3.4K t |
| 2023 | $13.4M | 2.7K t |
| 2022 | $15.2M | 3.5K t |
| 2021 | $14.0M | 3.6K t |
| 2020 | $9.0M | 2.4K t |
| 2019 | $13.2M | 2.4K t |
| 2018 | $11.5M | 1.9K t |
| 2017 | $12.4M | 2.0K t |
Where South Africa imports paint pigment from
Most of the value came from Germany (25%), China (23%), France (10%). Among the main suppliers, Netherlands grew fastest (+114% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $3.8M | 25% |
| China | $3.4M | 23% |
| France | $1.5M | 9.9% |
| Spain | $859K | 5.8% |
| Netherlands | $769K | 5.1% |
| Italy | $554K | 3.7% |
| Poland | $523K | 3.5% |
| Mexico | $501K | 3.4% |
| United States | $471K | 3.2% |
| Norway | $418K | 2.8% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $4.45 per kg, 51% below the world average of $8.99, which often means bulk or lower-grade product.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Paint pigment exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $12.7 million of paint pigment in 2024 (4.4 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. The largest buyer markets were Kenya (32%), Zimbabwe (16%), Uganda (9%). Among the main buyer markets, Namibia grew fastest (+53% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Kenya | $4.1M | 32% |
| Zimbabwe | $2.1M | 16% |
| Uganda | $1.1M | 9.1% |
| Mozambique | $847K | 6.7% |
| Tanzania | $817K | 6.4% |
| Zambia | $797K | 6.3% |
| Namibia | $784K | 6.2% |
| Mauritius | $662K | 5.2% |
| Botswana | $277K | 2.2% |
| Seychelles | $186K | 1.5% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa paint pigment imports (HS 3212.90): 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 3212.90: Pigments: of a kind used in the manufacture of paints, other than stamping foils.
Common questions
What is the value of paint pigment imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported paint pigment worth $15.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 3.4 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 22nd of 209 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 11% on 2023.
Which countries supply paint pigment to South Africa?
Germany was the largest supplier with 25% of the value ($3.8 million), followed by China (23%) and France (10%). The top three together account for 58%, out of 50 supplier countries in total. The Netherlands grew fastest among the top ten, up 114% on the year.
What is the average import price of paint pigment per kg?
The average declared import value was about $4.45 per kg in 2024, 51% below the world average of $8.99 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of paint pigment to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $12.4 million in 2017 to $15.0 million in 2024, an increase of 21%. The peak was 2022 at $15.2 million. Over 8 years the average was $12.9 million a year.
Does South Africa also export paint pigment?
Yes. South Africa exported $12.7 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Kenya, Zimbabwe and Uganda. That compares with imports of $15.0 million in the same year.
What is the HS code for paint pigment?
The HS code for paint pigment is subheading 3212.90. 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 3212 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
More trade data for South Africa
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