Polymer solvent paint exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $37.3 million of polymer solvent paint in 2024 (12.6 thousand tonnes). That is 8% 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 .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $37.3M | 12.6K t |
| 2023 | $34.6M | 11.5K t |
| 2022 | $32.8M | 12.0K t |
| 2021 | $34.4M | 13.0K t |
| 2020 | $26.8M | 9.8K t |
| 2019 | $26.4M | 8.7K t |
| 2018 | $33.2M | 9.8K t |
| 2017 | $34.1M | 13.4K t |
Where South Africa exports polymer solvent paint to
Most of it went to Namibia (16%), Botswana (15%), Angola (11%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 42%. Among the main buyer markets, Angola grew fastest (+186% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $6.1M | 16% |
| Botswana | $5.4M | 15% |
| Angola | $4.0M | 11% |
| Lesotho | $2.1M | 5.7% |
| Mozambique | $2.1M | 5.7% |
| Zimbabwe | $2.1M | 5.6% |
| Zambia | $2.1M | 5.5% |
| United States | $1.8M | 5% |
| DR Congo | $1.5M | 3.9% |
| Eswatini | $1.4M | 3.8% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.95 per kg, 50% below the world average of $5.90, 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.
Polymer solvent paint imports to South Africa
Imports of polymer solvent paint by South Africa reached $32.7 million in 2024 (6.5 thousand tonnes). The largest suppliers were Germany (20%), Italy (19%), Netherlands (8%). Trade is spread widely: the top three suppliers together make up only 47%. Among the main suppliers, Greece grew fastest (+71% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $6.4M | 20% |
| Italy | $6.3M | 19% |
| Netherlands | $2.7M | 8.1% |
| Spain | $2.2M | 6.6% |
| France | $1.9M | 5.9% |
| United Kingdom | $1.8M | 5.7% |
| Austria | $1.4M | 4.1% |
| Greece | $1.3M | 4% |
| China | $1.1M | 3.4% |
| Portugal | $929K | 2.8% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa polymer solvent paint exports (HS 3208.90): 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 3208.90: Paints and varnishes: based on polymers n.e.c. in heading no. 3208, dispersed or dissolved in a non-aqueous medium.
Common questions
What is the value of polymer solvent paint exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported polymer solvent paint worth $37.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 12.6 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 31st of 175 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was up 8% on 2023.
Which countries buy polymer solvent paint from South Africa?
Namibia was the largest buyer with 16% of the value ($6.1 million), followed by Botswana (15%) and Angola (11%). The top three together account for 42%, out of 94 buyer countries in total. Angola grew fastest among the top ten, up 186% on the year.
What is the average export price of polymer solvent paint per kg?
The average declared export value was about $2.95 per kg in 2024, 50% below the world average of $5.90 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of polymer solvent paint from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $34.1 million in 2017 to $37.3 million in 2024, an increase of 9%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $32.5 million a year.
Does South Africa also import polymer solvent paint?
Yes. South Africa imported $32.7 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Germany, Italy and the Netherlands. That compares with exports of $37.3 million in the same year.
What is the HS code for polymer solvent paint?
The HS code for polymer solvent paint is subheading 3208.90. 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 3208 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 polymer solvent paint trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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