Petroleum jelly exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $14.0 million of petroleum jelly in 2024 (5.0 thousand tonnes). That makes it the 7th largest exporter of this product worldwide, out of 120 countries. That is 7% 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 .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $14.0M | 5.0K t |
| 2023 | $13.2M | 5.4K t |
| 2022 | $11.6M | 5.5K t |
| 2021 | $13.9M | 7.6K t |
| 2020 | $9.6M | 5.7K t |
| 2019 | $9.8M | 5.3K t |
| 2018 | $13.1M | 8.2K t |
| 2017 | $11.8M | 7.7K t |
Where South Africa exports petroleum jelly to
The largest buyer markets were Zimbabwe (18%), Namibia (16%), Zambia (9%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 43%. Among the main buyer markets, Tanzania grew fastest (+610% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $2.6M | 18% |
| Namibia | $2.2M | 16% |
| Zambia | $1.3M | 8.9% |
| DR Congo | $966K | 6.9% |
| Lesotho | $832K | 5.9% |
| Eswatini | $807K | 5.8% |
| Netherlands | $776K | 5.5% |
| Tanzania | $741K | 5.3% |
| Mozambique | $682K | 4.9% |
| Nigeria | $652K | 4.7% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.82 per kg, 40% above the world average of $2.01. This usually points to higher-grade or processed goods.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Petroleum jelly imports to South Africa
Imports of petroleum jelly by South Africa reached $2.1 million in 2024 (1.1 thousand tonnes). India alone supplied 61% of it. Among the main suppliers, United Kingdom grew fastest (+184% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $1.3M | 61% |
| China | $278K | 14% |
| United Kingdom | $141K | 6.8% |
| South Korea | $129K | 6.2% |
| Germany | $75K | 3.6% |
| United Arab Emirates | $57K | 2.8% |
| Netherlands | $49K | 2.4% |
| Tanzania | $46K | 2.2% |
| United States | $10K | 0.5% |
| Lesotho | $6K | 0.3% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa petroleum jelly exports (HS 2712.10): 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 2712.10: Petroleum jelly.
Common questions
What is the value of petroleum jelly exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported petroleum jelly worth $14.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 5.0 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 7th of 120 countries worldwide, with 3% of world exports. The value was up 7% on 2023.
Which countries buy petroleum jelly from South Africa?
Zimbabwe was the largest buyer with 18% of the value ($2.6 million), followed by Namibia (16%) and Zambia (9%). The top three together account for 43%, out of 44 buyer countries in total. Tanzania grew fastest among the top ten, up 610% on the year.
What is the average export price of petroleum jelly per kg?
The average declared export value was about $2.82 per kg in 2024, 40% above the world average of $2.01 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have exports of petroleum jelly from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $11.8 million in 2017 to $14.0 million in 2024, an increase of 19%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $12.1 million a year.
Does South Africa also import petroleum jelly?
Yes. South Africa imported $2.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from India, China and the United Kingdom. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $12.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for petroleum jelly?
The HS code for petroleum jelly is subheading 2712.10. It sits in HS chapter 27 (mineral fuels, mineral oils and products of their distillation; bituminous substances; mineral waxes). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2712 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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