Photography chemical imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $14.5 million of photography chemical in 2024 (995 tonnes). The value was almost unchanged from 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 11% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2018, at $34.8 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 | $14.5M | 995 t |
| 2023 | $14.8M | 794 t |
| 2022 | $18.9M | 925 t |
| 2021 | $25.7M | 1.4K t |
| 2020 | $22.9M | 1.1K t |
| 2019 | $32.7M | 1.4K t |
| 2018 | $34.8M | 1.7K t |
| 2017 | $32.9M | 1.8K t |
Where South Africa imports photography chemical from
The largest suppliers were Japan (45%), Germany (22%), China (14%). Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+67% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | $6.6M | 45% |
| Germany | $3.2M | 22% |
| China | $2.1M | 14% |
| United States | $992K | 6.8% |
| Netherlands | $515K | 3.5% |
| Belgium | $401K | 2.8% |
| Thailand | $193K | 1.3% |
| Taiwan | $181K | 1.3% |
| United Kingdom | $74K | 0.5% |
| Italy | $72K | 0.5% |
Product types under HS 3707
| 3707.90 | Photographic goods: chemical preparations other than sensitised emulsions, put up in measured portions or put up for retail sale in a form ready for… | 97% |
| 3707.10 | Photographic goods: sensitised emulsions, put up in measured portions or put up for retail sale in a form ready for use | 2.8% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 3707.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $14.60 per kg, 46% below the world average of $27.04, 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.
Photography chemical exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $7.9 million of photography chemical in 2024 (602 tonnes). Zimbabwe alone took 71% of it. Among the main buyer markets, DR Congo grew fastest (+410% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $5.6M | 71% |
| Zambia | $352K | 4.5% |
| DR Congo | $310K | 3.9% |
| Namibia | $307K | 3.9% |
| Botswana | $270K | 3.4% |
| United Arab Emirates | $210K | 2.7% |
| Mozambique | $203K | 2.6% |
| Saudi Arabia | $159K | 2% |
| Malawi | $72K | 0.9% |
| Eswatini | $71K | 0.9% |
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 3707: Chemical preparations for photographic uses (other than varnishes, glues, adhesives and similar preparations); unmixed products for photographic uses, put up in measured portions or for retail sale.
Common questions
What is the value of photography chemical imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported photography chemical worth $14.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 995 tonnes. That ranks it 31st of 211 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 2% on 2023.
Which countries supply photography chemical to South Africa?
Japan was the largest supplier with 45% of the value ($6.6 million), followed by Germany (22%) and China (14%). The top three together account for 82%, out of 32 supplier countries in total. China grew fastest among the top ten, up 67% on the year.
What is the average import price of photography chemical per kg?
The average declared import value was about $14.60 per kg in 2024, 46% below the world average of $27.04 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 photography chemical to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $32.9 million in 2017 to $14.5 million in 2024, a fall of 56%. The peak was 2018 at $34.8 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export photography chemical?
Yes. South Africa exported $7.9 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zimbabwe, Zambia and the DR Congo. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $6.7 million a year.
What is the HS code for photography chemical?
The HS code for photography chemical is heading 3707. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 3707.90 (97% of the value) and 3707.10 (3%). It sits in HS chapter 37 (photographic or cinematographic goods). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3707 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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