Prepared pigments and colors imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported prepared pigments and colors worth $6.9 million (914 tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 4% less 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 | $6.9M | 914 t |
| 2023 | $7.2M | 1.1K t |
| 2022 | $6.1M | 1.6K t |
| 2021 | $6.0M | 883 t |
| 2020 | $4.7M | 452 t |
| 2019 | $4.5M | 1.3K t |
| 2018 | $4.4M | 825 t |
| 2017 | $4.6M | 618 t |
Where South Africa imports prepared pigments and colors from
Most of the value came from Turkey (31%), Netherlands (23%), Spain (22%). Among the main suppliers, Germany grew fastest (+208% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Turkey | $2.2M | 31% |
| Netherlands | $1.6M | 23% |
| Spain | $1.5M | 22% |
| China | $634K | 9.2% |
| Germany | $511K | 7.4% |
| United States | $296K | 4.3% |
| Italy | $91K | 1.3% |
| India | $73K | 1.1% |
| Eswatini | $27K | 0.4% |
| United Kingdom | $22K | 0.3% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $7.57 per kg, 48% above the world average of $5.12. This usually points to higher-grade or processed goods.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Prepared pigments and colors exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $1.2 million of prepared pigments and colors in 2024 (385 tonnes). Most of it went to Mozambique (32%), Zambia (32%), Eswatini (10%). Among the main buyer markets, Angola grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Mozambique | $396K | 32% |
| Zambia | $390K | 32% |
| Eswatini | $128K | 11% |
| Angola | $93K | 7.6% |
| Spain | $60K | 4.9% |
| Zimbabwe | $45K | 3.7% |
| Botswana | $27K | 2.2% |
| Malaysia | $20K | 1.6% |
| Namibia | $15K | 1.3% |
| Lesotho | $12K | 1% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa prepared pigments and colors imports (HS 3207.10): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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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 3207.10: Pigments: prepared pigments, opacifiers, colours and similar preparations.
Common questions
What is the value of prepared pigments and colors imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported prepared pigments and colors worth $6.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 914 tonnes. That ranks it 34th of 183 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was down 4% on 2023.
Which countries supply prepared pigments and colors to South Africa?
Turkey was the largest supplier with 31% of the value ($2.2 million), followed by the Netherlands (23%) and Spain (22%). The top three together account for 76%, out of 25 supplier countries in total. Germany grew fastest among the top ten, up 208% on the year.
What is the average import price of prepared pigments and colors per kg?
The average declared import value was about $7.57 per kg in 2024, 48% above the world average of $5.12 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of prepared pigments and colors to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $4.6 million in 2017 to $6.9 million in 2024, an increase of 51%. The peak was 2023 at $7.2 million. Over 8 years the average was $5.6 million a year.
Does South Africa also export prepared pigments and colors?
Yes. South Africa exported $1.2 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Mozambique, Zambia and Eswatini. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $5.7 million a year.
What is the HS code for prepared pigments and colors?
The HS code for prepared pigments and colors is subheading 3207.10. 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 3207 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, so the companies shipping to and from it are visible. Ask for a live look at your product.
Same product, other countries
World prepared pigments and colors trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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