Paraffin wax imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $18.3 million of paraffin wax in 2024 (6.9 thousand tonnes). That is 9% 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 | $18.3M | 6.9K t |
| 2023 | $16.8M | 5.8K t |
| 2022 | $21.1M | 8.5K t |
| 2021 | $19.8M | 8.2K t |
| 2020 | $12.9M | 5.8K t |
| 2019 | $15.4M | 5.6K t |
| 2018 | $14.7M | 5.2K t |
| 2017 | $13.6M | 4.7K t |
Where South Africa imports paraffin wax from
The largest suppliers were Germany (21%), Denmark (15%), Singapore (11%). Trade is spread widely: the top three suppliers together make up only 47%. Among the main suppliers, South Korea grew fastest (+255% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $3.9M | 21% |
| Denmark | $2.7M | 15% |
| Singapore | $2.1M | 12% |
| South Korea | $2.0M | 11% |
| Spain | $1.6M | 8.7% |
| United States | $1.3M | 6.9% |
| China | $879K | 4.8% |
| India | $723K | 4% |
| United Kingdom | $520K | 2.8% |
| Netherlands | $461K | 2.5% |
Product types under HS 3404
| 3404.90 | Waxes: artificial and prepared, other than of polyethylene glycol | 84% |
| 3404.20 | Waxes: artificial and prepared, of poly(oxyethylene) (polyethylene glycol) | 17% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 3404.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.67 per kg, close to the world average of $2.33.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Paraffin wax exports from South Africa
Exports of paraffin wax by South Africa reached $15.9 million in 2024 (5.7 thousand tonnes). The largest buyer markets were United States (49%), Germany (7%), Zimbabwe (6%). Among the main buyer markets, Taiwan grew fastest (+117% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $7.7M | 49% |
| Germany | $1.2M | 7.5% |
| Zimbabwe | $947K | 6% |
| Taiwan | $668K | 4.2% |
| Zambia | $655K | 4.1% |
| India | $546K | 3.4% |
| France | $454K | 2.9% |
| Lesotho | $264K | 1.7% |
| Italy | $254K | 1.6% |
| South Korea | $249K | 1.6% |
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 3404: Waxes; artificial, prepared.
Common questions
What is the value of paraffin wax imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported paraffin wax worth $18.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 6.9 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 34th of 208 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 9% on 2023.
Which countries supply paraffin wax to South Africa?
Germany was the largest supplier with 21% of the value ($3.9 million), followed by Denmark (15%) and Singapore (11%). The top three together account for 47%, out of 40 supplier countries in total. South Korea grew fastest among the top ten, up 255% on the year.
What is the average import price of paraffin wax per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.67 per kg in 2024, 15% above the world average of $2.33 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 paraffin wax to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $13.6 million in 2017 to $18.3 million in 2024, an increase of 34%. The peak was 2022 at $21.1 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export paraffin wax?
Yes. South Africa exported $15.9 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the United States, Germany and Zimbabwe. That compares with imports of $18.3 million in the same year.
What is the HS code for paraffin wax?
The HS code for paraffin wax is heading 3404. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 3404.90 (83% of the value) and 3404.20 (17%). It sits in HS chapter 34 (soap, organic surface-active agents; washing, lubricating, polishing or scouring preparations; artificial or prepared waxes, candles and similar articles, modelling pastes, dental waxes and dental preparations with a basis of plaster). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3404 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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