Phosphoric ester imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported phosphoric ester worth $3.3 million (961 tonnes). That is close to the 2023 level. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2018, at $4.9 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 | $3.3M | 961 t |
| 2023 | $3.2M | 745 t |
| 2022 | $4.0M | 857 t |
| 2021 | $3.9M | 900 t |
| 2020 | $3.0M | 840 t |
| 2019 | $3.6M | 1.2K t |
| 2018 | $4.9M | 1.6K t |
| 2017 | $4.5M | 1.3K t |
Where South Africa imports phosphoric ester from
China alone supplied 72% of it. Among the main suppliers, India grew fastest (+363% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $2.4M | 72% |
| Switzerland | $311K | 9.3% |
| Germany | $259K | 7.8% |
| India | $132K | 4% |
| Australia | $122K | 3.7% |
| United Kingdom | $78K | 2.3% |
| Netherlands | $12K | 0.4% |
| United States | $11K | 0.3% |
| Singapore | $5K | 0.1% |
| Belgium | $1K | 0% |
Product types under HS 2919
| 2919.90 | Esters: phosphoric, and their salts, including lactophosphates, their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives: other than… | 98% |
| 2919.10 | Esters: phosphoric, and their salts, including lactophosphates, their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives… | 2.4% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 2919.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $3.47 per kg, 33% above the world average of $2.61. 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.
Phosphoric ester exports from South Africa
Exports of phosphoric ester by South Africa reached $247 thousand in 2024 (22 tonnes). Zimbabwe alone took 50% of it. Among the main buyer markets, Zimbabwe grew fastest (+291% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $124K | 50% |
| Netherlands | $55K | 22% |
| Uganda | $25K | 10% |
| Zambia | $19K | 7.5% |
| Kenya | $7K | 2.8% |
| Ghana | $5K | 1.9% |
| Namibia | $4K | 1.4% |
| Eswatini | $3K | 1.3% |
| Mauritius | $2K | 0.8% |
| DR Congo | $1K | 0.4% |
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 2919: Esters; phosphoric, and their salts, including lactophosphates, their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives.
Common questions
What is the value of phosphoric ester imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported phosphoric ester worth $3.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 961 tonnes. That ranks it 36th of 142 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 3% on 2023.
Which countries supply phosphoric ester to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 72% of the value ($2.4 million), followed by Switzerland (9%) and Germany (8%). The top three together account for 89%, out of 15 supplier countries in total. India grew fastest among the top ten, up 363% on the year.
What is the average import price of phosphoric ester per kg?
The average declared import value was about $3.47 per kg in 2024, 33% above the world average of $2.61 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 phosphoric ester to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $4.5 million in 2017 to $3.3 million in 2024, a fall of 26%. The peak was 2018 at $4.9 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export phosphoric ester?
Yes. South Africa exported $247 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zimbabwe, the Netherlands and Uganda. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $3.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for phosphoric ester?
The HS code for phosphoric ester is heading 2919. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 2919.90 (98% of the value) and 2919.10 (2%). It sits in HS chapter 29 (organic chemicals). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2919 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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