Pigment dispersion imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported pigment dispersion worth $19.7 million (3.7 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 12% 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 .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $19.7M | 3.7K t |
| 2023 | $17.6M | 3.8K t |
| 2022 | $22.0M | 5.1K t |
| 2021 | $19.7M | 4.1K t |
| 2020 | $13.8M | 2.7K t |
| 2019 | $17.8M | 2.8K t |
| 2018 | $17.7M | 2.4K t |
| 2017 | $17.3M | 2.4K t |
Where South Africa imports pigment dispersion from
The largest suppliers were Germany (25%), China (19%), France (8%). Among the main suppliers, Netherlands grew fastest (+114% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $4.8M | 25% |
| China | $3.8M | 19% |
| France | $1.5M | 7.7% |
| Taiwan | $1.2M | 5.9% |
| Malaysia | $1.0M | 5.2% |
| Spain | $860K | 4.4% |
| Netherlands | $771K | 3.9% |
| Italy | $664K | 3.4% |
| United States | $625K | 3.2% |
| Poland | $568K | 2.9% |
Product types under HS 3212
| 3212.90 | Pigments: of a kind used in the manufacture of paints, other than stamping foils | 76% |
| 3212.10 | Pigments: of a kind used in the manufacture of paints, stamping foils | 24% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 3212.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $5.29 per kg, 48% below the world average of $10.25, 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.
Pigment dispersion exports from South Africa
Exports of pigment dispersion by South Africa reached $13.0 million in 2024 (4.5 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. Most of it went to Kenya (31%), Zimbabwe (16%), Uganda (9%). Among the main buyer markets, Namibia grew fastest (+54% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Kenya | $4.1M | 31% |
| Zimbabwe | $2.1M | 16% |
| Uganda | $1.1M | 8.8% |
| Zambia | $864K | 6.6% |
| Mozambique | $847K | 6.5% |
| Tanzania | $832K | 6.4% |
| Namibia | $792K | 6.1% |
| Mauritius | $668K | 5.1% |
| Botswana | $411K | 3.2% |
| Seychelles | $186K | 1.4% |
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 3212: Pigments (metallic powders and flakes) dispersed in non-aqueous media in liquid or paste form, as used in manufacture of paints (including enamels); stamping foils, dyes etc in forms, packing for retail sale.
Common questions
What is the value of pigment dispersion imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported pigment dispersion worth $19.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 3.7 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 28th of 210 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 12% on 2023.
Which countries supply pigment dispersion to South Africa?
Germany was the largest supplier with 25% of the value ($4.8 million), followed by China (19%) and France (8%). The top three together account for 51%, out of 53 supplier countries in total. The Netherlands grew fastest among the top ten, up 114% on the year.
What is the average import price of pigment dispersion per kg?
The average declared import value was about $5.29 per kg in 2024, 48% below the world average of $10.25 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 dispersion to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $17.3 million in 2017 to $19.7 million in 2024, an increase of 14%. The peak was 2022 at $22.0 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export pigment dispersion?
Yes. South Africa exported $13.0 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Kenya, Zimbabwe and Uganda. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $6.6 million a year.
What is the HS code for pigment dispersion?
The HS code for pigment dispersion is heading 3212. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 3212.90 (76% of the value) and 3212.10 (24%). 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 3212 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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