Pigment imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of pigment by South Africa reached $96.2 million in 2024 (37.3 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value rose 7% on 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2021, at $121.2 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 | $96.2M | 37.3K t |
| 2023 | $89.6M | 34.9K t |
| 2022 | $119.4M | 38.7K t |
| 2021 | $121.2M | 41.8K t |
| 2020 | $70.9M | 30.2K t |
| 2019 | $97.2M | 41.1K t |
| 2018 | $107.7M | 44.0K t |
| 2017 | $90.5M | 37.2K t |
Where South Africa imports pigment from
The largest suppliers were China (41%), India (12%), Germany (12%). Among the main suppliers, Thailand grew fastest (+55% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $39.2M | 41% |
| India | $11.6M | 12% |
| Germany | $11.4M | 12% |
| United Arab Emirates | $7.2M | 7.5% |
| United Kingdom | $4.0M | 4.1% |
| Netherlands | $4.0M | 4.1% |
| Thailand | $2.6M | 2.7% |
| Luxembourg | $1.9M | 2% |
| Mexico | $1.7M | 1.7% |
| United States | $1.5M | 1.6% |
Product types under HS 3206
| 3206.11 | Colouring matter: pigments and preparations based on titanium dioxide, containing 80% or more by weight of titanium dioxide calculated on the dry… | 55% |
| 3206.49 | Colouring matter: other preparations n.e.c. in item no. 3206.4 | 28% |
| 3206.19 | Colouring matter: pigments and preparations based on titanium dioxide, containing less than 80% by weight of titanium dioxide calculated on the dry… | 12% |
| 3206.20 | Colouring matter: pigments and preparations based on chromium compounds | 4.2% |
| 3206.41 | Colouring matter: ultramarine and preparations based thereon | 1.1% |
| 3206.50 | Colouring matter: inorganic products of a kind used as luminophores | 0% |
| 3206.42 | Colouring matter: lithopone and other pigments and preparations based on zinc sulphide | 0% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 3206.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.58 per kg, close to the world average of $3.09.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Pigment exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported pigment worth $22.1 million (9.9 thousand tonnes). Most of it went to Zimbabwe (25%), Zambia (17%), Angola (12%). Among the main buyer markets, Malaysia grew fastest (+248% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $5.4M | 25% |
| Zambia | $3.8M | 17% |
| Angola | $2.8M | 13% |
| Botswana | $2.3M | 10% |
| Malawi | $2.2M | 9.9% |
| Namibia | $760K | 3.4% |
| Nigeria | $654K | 3% |
| Mozambique | $606K | 2.7% |
| Malaysia | $536K | 2.4% |
| Eswatini | $369K | 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 3206: Colouring matter and preparations thereof n.e.c. in heading no. 3203, 3204, 3205; inorganic products, kind used as luminophores whether or not chemically defined.
Common questions
What is the value of pigment imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported pigment worth $96.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 37.3 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 37th of 210 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 7% on 2023.
Which countries supply pigment to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 41% of the value ($39.2 million), followed by India (12%) and Germany (12%). The top three together account for 65%, out of 49 supplier countries in total. The United States grew fastest among the top ten, up 129% on the year.
What is the average import price of pigment per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.58 per kg in 2024, 17% below the world average of $3.09 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 pigment to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $90.5 million in 2017 to $96.2 million in 2024, an increase of 6%. The peak was 2021 at $121.2 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export pigment?
Yes. South Africa exported $22.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zimbabwe, Zambia and Angola. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $74.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for pigment?
The HS code for pigment is heading 3206. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 3206.11 (55% of the value) and 3206.49 (28%). It sits in HS chapter 32 (tanning or dyeing extracts; tannins and their derivatives; dyes, pigments and other colouring matter; paints, varnishes; putty, other mastics; inks). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3206 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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