Pigments and preparations (other) imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported pigments and preparations (other) worth $26.6 million (11.6 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is close to the 2023 level. 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 | $26.6M | 11.6K t |
| 2023 | $27.2M | 12.2K t |
| 2022 | $29.5M | 11.0K t |
| 2021 | $29.3M | 10.7K t |
| 2020 | $20.9M | 9.3K t |
| 2019 | $29.3M | 10.9K t |
| 2018 | $31.1M | 11.3K t |
| 2017 | $25.7M | 9.0K t |
Where South Africa imports pigments and preparations (other) from
Most of the value came from United Arab Emirates (27%), India (17%), China (13%). Among the main suppliers, Luxembourg grew fastest (+589% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United Arab Emirates | $7.2M | 27% |
| India | $4.5M | 17% |
| China | $3.5M | 13% |
| Germany | $2.8M | 10% |
| Thailand | $1.5M | 5.6% |
| Luxembourg | $1.2M | 4.7% |
| Belgium | $823K | 3.1% |
| Spain | $769K | 2.9% |
| Israel | $701K | 2.6% |
| Turkey | $612K | 2.3% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.30 per kg, 38% below the world average of $3.70, 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.
Pigments and preparations (other) exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $15.1 million of pigments and preparations (other) in 2024 (6.7 thousand tonnes). Most of it went to Zimbabwe (20%), Zambia (16%), Malawi (14%). Among the main buyer markets, Malaysia grew fastest (+248% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $3.1M | 20% |
| Zambia | $2.4M | 16% |
| Malawi | $2.1M | 14% |
| Angola | $2.0M | 14% |
| Botswana | $2.0M | 13% |
| Nigeria | $616K | 4.1% |
| Malaysia | $536K | 3.6% |
| Mozambique | $240K | 1.6% |
| Eswatini | $233K | 1.5% |
| Lesotho | $227K | 1.5% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa pigments and preparations (other) imports (HS 3206.49): 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 3206.49: Colouring matter: other preparations n.e.c. in item no. 3206.4.
Common questions
What is the value of pigments and preparations (other) imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported pigments and preparations (other) worth $26.6 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 11.6 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 32nd of 203 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was down 2% on 2023.
Which countries supply pigments and preparations (other) to South Africa?
The United Arab Emirates was the largest supplier with 27% of the value ($7.2 million), followed by India (17%) and China (13%). The top three together account for 57%, out of 41 supplier countries in total. Luxembourg grew fastest among the top ten, up 589% on the year.
What is the average import price of pigments and preparations (other) per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.30 per kg in 2024, 38% below the world average of $3.70 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of pigments and preparations (other) to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $25.7 million in 2017 to $26.6 million in 2024, an increase of 3%. The peak was 2018 at $31.1 million. Over 8 years the average was $27.5 million a year.
Does South Africa also export pigments and preparations (other)?
Yes. South Africa exported $15.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $11.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for pigments and preparations (other)?
The HS code for pigments and preparations (other) is subheading 3206.49. 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?
The totals here are public statistics; EximDataX adds the company names by reading partner countries' customs records for South Africa. Tell us your product to see it live.
Same product, other countries
World pigments and preparations (other) trade: top importers and exporters
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