Paraformaldehyde imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $2.5 million of paraformaldehyde in 2024 (3.2 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value rose 16% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 10% a year on average.
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 | $2.5M | 3.2K t |
| 2023 | $2.2M | 2.5K t |
| 2022 | $2.5M | 2.3K t |
| 2021 | $1.7M | 2.2K t |
| 2020 | $1.0M | 1.4K t |
| 2019 | $1.4M | 1.8K t |
| 2018 | $1.4M | 1.6K t |
| 2017 | $1.3M | 1.6K t |
Where South Africa imports paraformaldehyde from
The largest suppliers were China (48%), Germany (31%), Spain (13%). Among the main suppliers, United States grew fastest (+301% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $1.2M | 48% |
| Germany | $763K | 31% |
| Spain | $313K | 13% |
| United States | $111K | 4.5% |
| Netherlands | $33K | 1.3% |
| Indonesia | $31K | 1.3% |
| Taiwan | $30K | 1.2% |
| United Kingdom | $11K | 0.5% |
| Belgium | $0K | 0% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.79 per kg, close to the world average of $0.83.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Paraformaldehyde exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported paraformaldehyde worth $214 thousand (141 tonnes). Most of it went to Malawi (31%), Namibia (21%), Indonesia (18%). Among the main buyer markets, Indonesia grew fastest (+228% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Malawi | $67K | 31% |
| Namibia | $45K | 21% |
| Indonesia | $39K | 18% |
| Zimbabwe | $33K | 16% |
| Zambia | $23K | 11% |
| Botswana | $3K | 1.5% |
| Eswatini | $3K | 1.4% |
| Malaysia | $1K | 0.3% |
| Mozambique | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa paraformaldehyde imports (HS 2912.60): 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 2912.60: Paraformaldehyde.
Common questions
What is the value of paraformaldehyde imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported paraformaldehyde worth $2.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 3.2 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 18th of 125 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 16% on 2023.
Which countries supply paraformaldehyde to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 48% of the value ($1.2 million), followed by Germany (31%) and Spain (13%). The top three together account for 91%, out of 9 supplier countries in total. The United States grew fastest among the top ten, up 301% on the year.
What is the average import price of paraformaldehyde per kg?
The average declared import value was about $0.79 per kg in 2024, close to the world average of $0.83 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of paraformaldehyde to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $1.3 million in 2017 to $2.5 million in 2024, an increase of 94%. The peak was 2022 at $2.5 million. Over 8 years the average was $1.7 million a year.
Does South Africa also export paraformaldehyde?
Yes. South Africa exported $214 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Malawi, Namibia and Indonesia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $2.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for paraformaldehyde?
The HS code for paraformaldehyde is subheading 2912.60. It sits in HS chapter 29 (organic chemicals). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2912 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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