Perfume imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported perfume worth $67.2 million (4.9 thousand tonnes). That is 6% more than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2018, at $95.6 million.
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 | $67.2M | 4.9K t |
| 2023 | $63.5M | 4.1K t |
| 2022 | $63.6M | 4.6K t |
| 2021 | $65.2M | 4.2K t |
| 2020 | $57.1M | 3.2K t |
| 2019 | $83.0M | 4.0K t |
| 2018 | $95.6M | 4.8K t |
| 2017 | $79.8M | 4.1K t |
Where South Africa imports perfume from
Most of the value came from France (32%), Spain (20%), Italy (19%). Among the main suppliers, United Arab Emirates grew fastest (+60% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| France | $21.2M | 32% |
| Spain | $13.4M | 20% |
| Italy | $13.0M | 19% |
| Poland | $8.0M | 12% |
| United States | $3.5M | 5.2% |
| United Kingdom | $2.0M | 2.9% |
| United Arab Emirates | $1.3M | 2% |
| Switzerland | $882K | 1.3% |
| Turkey | $875K | 1.3% |
| China | $657K | 1% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $13.61 per kg, 57% below the world average of $31.99, 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.
Perfume exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported perfume worth $23.4 million (2.5 thousand tonnes). Most of it went to Namibia (37%), Botswana (28%), Eswatini (7%). Among the main buyer markets, United States grew fastest (+862% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $8.6M | 37% |
| Botswana | $6.4M | 28% |
| Eswatini | $1.6M | 7% |
| Zambia | $1.2M | 5.2% |
| Angola | $704K | 3% |
| Lesotho | $690K | 2.9% |
| United States | $577K | 2.5% |
| Belgium | $422K | 1.8% |
| France | $392K | 1.7% |
| Mozambique | $385K | 1.7% |
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 3303: Perfumes and toilet waters.
Common questions
What is the value of perfume imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported perfume worth $67.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 4.9 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 54th of 223 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 6% on 2023.
Which countries supply perfume to South Africa?
France was the largest supplier with 32% of the value ($21.2 million), followed by Spain (20%) and Italy (19%). The top three together account for 71%, out of 67 supplier countries in total. The United Arab Emirates grew fastest among the top ten, up 60% on the year.
What is the average import price of perfume per kg?
The average declared import value was about $13.61 per kg in 2024, 57% below the world average of $31.99 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 perfume to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $79.8 million in 2017 to $67.2 million in 2024, a fall of 16%. The peak was 2018 at $95.6 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export perfume?
Yes. South Africa exported $23.4 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Namibia, Botswana and Eswatini. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $43.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for perfume?
The HS code for perfume is heading 3303. In South Africa all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 3303.00. It sits in HS chapter 33 (essential oils and resinoids; perfumery, cosmetic or toilet preparations). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3303 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.
More trade data for South Africa
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