Paint thinner exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $34.5 million of paint thinner in 2024 (29.0 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 2%. That is close to the 2023 level. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 6% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2018, at $54.3 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $34.5M | 29.0K t |
| 2023 | $33.9M | 26.6K t |
| 2022 | $48.1M | 34.4K t |
| 2021 | $37.2M | 29.1K t |
| 2020 | $29.6M | 26.9K t |
| 2019 | $37.7M | 45.1K t |
| 2018 | $54.3M | 54.3K t |
| 2017 | $53.7M | 57.6K t |
Where South Africa exports paint thinner to
Most of it went to Belgium (27%), Zimbabwe (12%), Pakistan (10%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 48%. Among the main buyer markets, France grew fastest (+152% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Belgium | $9.3M | 27% |
| Zimbabwe | $4.1M | 12% |
| Pakistan | $3.3M | 9.6% |
| Zambia | $3.2M | 9.2% |
| Namibia | $1.5M | 4.4% |
| Botswana | $1.4M | 4.2% |
| Malawi | $1.2M | 3.5% |
| France | $1.2M | 3.4% |
| Mozambique | $1.1M | 3.3% |
| Mauritius | $1.0M | 3% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.19 per kg, 50% below the world average of $2.40, 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 thinner imports to South Africa
South Africa imported $12.7 million of paint thinner in 2024 (4.7 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Most of the value came from Netherlands (30%), Germany (24%), United Kingdom (8%). Among the main suppliers, Spain grew fastest (+793% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Netherlands | $3.8M | 30% |
| Germany | $3.1M | 24% |
| United Kingdom | $1.0M | 8% |
| Italy | $887K | 7% |
| Belgium | $662K | 5.2% |
| Spain | $514K | 4% |
| Kuwait | $465K | 3.7% |
| Egypt | $434K | 3.4% |
| Japan | $359K | 2.8% |
| United States | $300K | 2.4% |
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 3814: Organic composite solvents and thinners, not elsewhere specified or included; prepared paint or varnish removers.
Common questions
What is the value of paint thinner exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported paint thinner worth $34.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 29.0 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 17th of 155 countries worldwide, with 2% of world exports. The value was up 2% on 2023.
Which countries buy paint thinner from South Africa?
Belgium was the largest buyer with 27% of the value ($9.3 million), followed by Zimbabwe (12%) and Pakistan (10%). The top three together account for 48%, out of 82 buyer countries in total. France grew fastest among the top ten, up 152% on the year.
What is the average export price of paint thinner per kg?
The average declared export value was about $1.19 per kg in 2024, 50% below the world average of $2.40 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 exports of paint thinner from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $53.7 million in 2017 to $34.5 million in 2024, a fall of 36%. The peak was 2018 at $54.3 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import paint thinner?
Yes. South Africa imported $12.7 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from the Netherlands, Germany and the United Kingdom. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $21.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for paint thinner?
The HS code for paint thinner is heading 3814. In South Africa all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 3814.00. It sits in HS chapter 38 (chemical products n.e.c.). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3814 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.
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