Polyphosphates (other) imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported polyphosphates (other) worth $13.5 million (7.6 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. The peak in this period was 2022, at $17.0 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 | $13.5M | 7.6K t |
| 2023 | $13.9M | 9.1K t |
| 2022 | $17.0M | 5.7K t |
| 2021 | $10.7M | 7.0K t |
| 2020 | $10.5M | 7.1K t |
| 2019 | $9.5M | 6.1K t |
| 2018 | $10.0M | 6.2K t |
| 2017 | $8.2M | 4.9K t |
Where South Africa imports polyphosphates (other) from
The largest suppliers were China (47%), Germany (25%), Thailand (14%). Among the main suppliers, Eswatini grew fastest (+57% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $6.4M | 47% |
| Germany | $3.4M | 25% |
| Thailand | $1.9M | 14% |
| France | $798K | 5.9% |
| Eswatini | $331K | 2.5% |
| Belgium | $314K | 2.3% |
| Spain | $240K | 1.8% |
| Italy | $131K | 1% |
| United States | $23K | 0.2% |
| India | $17K | 0.1% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.79 per kg, close to the world average of $1.98.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Polyphosphates (other) exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported polyphosphates (other) worth $687 thousand (380 tonnes). Most of it went to Kenya (21%), Zambia (20%), Zimbabwe (19%). Among the main buyer markets, Lesotho grew fastest (+717% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Kenya | $143K | 21% |
| Zambia | $134K | 20% |
| Zimbabwe | $133K | 19% |
| Eswatini | $98K | 14% |
| Sierra Leone | $32K | 4.7% |
| Namibia | $29K | 4.3% |
| Lesotho | $24K | 3.5% |
| Netherlands | $24K | 3.4% |
| Malawi | $16K | 2.4% |
| Mozambique | $14K | 2% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa polyphosphates (other) imports (HS 2835.39): 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 2835.39: Polyphosphates: other than sodium triphosphate (sodium tripolyphosphate), whether or not chemically defined.
Common questions
What is the value of polyphosphates (other) imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported polyphosphates (other) worth $13.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 7.6 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 25th of 186 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was down 3% on 2023.
Which countries supply polyphosphates (other) to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 47% of the value ($6.4 million), followed by Germany (25%) and Thailand (14%). The top three together account for 86%, out of 18 supplier countries in total. Spain grew fastest among the top ten, up 70% on the year.
What is the average import price of polyphosphates (other) per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.79 per kg in 2024, 10% below the world average of $1.98 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of polyphosphates (other) to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $8.2 million in 2017 to $13.5 million in 2024, an increase of 65%. The peak was 2022 at $17.0 million. Over 8 years the average was $11.7 million a year.
Does South Africa also export polyphosphates (other)?
Yes. South Africa exported $687 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Kenya, Zambia and Zimbabwe. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $12.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for polyphosphates (other)?
The HS code for polyphosphates (other) is subheading 2835.39. It sits in HS chapter 28 (inorganic chemicals; organic and inorganic compounds of precious metals; of rare earth metals, of radio-active elements and of isotopes). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2835 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 polyphosphates (other) trade: top importers and exporters
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