Propane imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported propane worth $189.1 million (284.7 thousand tonnes). That is 7% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 77% a year on average.
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 | $189.1M | 284.7K t |
| 2023 | $177.1M | 279.0K t |
| 2022 | $205.0M | 262.5K t |
| 2021 | $159.8M | 234.2K t |
| 2020 | $45.3M | 101.6K t |
| 2019 | $37.0M | 64.6K t |
| 2018 | $36.2M | 58.5K t |
| 2017 | $3.5M | 7.3K t |
Where South Africa imports propane from
One supplier dominates: United States accounted for 97% of the value.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $182.6M | 97% |
| Nigeria | $3.3M | 1.8% |
| Chile | $2.9M | 1.6% |
| China | $178K | 0.1% |
| Germany | $7K | 0% |
| United Kingdom | $3K | 0% |
| Poland | $2K | 0% |
| Netherlands | $1K | 0% |
| Namibia | $0K | 0% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.66 per kg, close to the world average of $0.59.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Propane exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $5.7 million of propane in 2024 (4.6 thousand tonnes). Most of it went to Mozambique (50%), Namibia (48%), Botswana (1%).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Mozambique | $2.8M | 50% |
| Namibia | $2.8M | 48% |
| Botswana | $37K | 0.7% |
| Lesotho | $27K | 0.5% |
| Eswatini | $23K | 0.4% |
| Moldova | $15K | 0.3% |
| Mauritius | $1K | 0% |
| Angola | $0K | 0% |
| Zimbabwe | $0K | 0% |
| Zambia | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa propane imports (HS 2711.12): 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 2711.12: Petroleum gases and other gaseous hydrocarbons: liquefied, propane.
Common questions
What is the value of propane imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported propane worth $189.1 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 284.7 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 30th of 188 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 7% on 2023.
Which countries supply propane to South Africa?
The United States was the largest supplier with 97% of the value ($182.6 million), followed by Nigeria (2%) and Chile (2%). The top three together account for 100%, out of 9 supplier countries in total. Germany grew fastest among the top ten, up 171% on the year.
What is the average import price of propane per kg?
The average declared import value was about $0.66 per kg in 2024, 12% above the world average of $0.59 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of propane to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $3.5 million in 2017 to $189.1 million in 2024. The peak was 2022 at $205.0 million. Over 8 years the average was $106.6 million a year.
Does South Africa also export propane?
Yes. South Africa exported $5.7 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Mozambique, Namibia and Botswana. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $183.4 million a year.
What is the HS code for propane?
The HS code for propane is subheading 2711.12. It sits in HS chapter 27 (mineral fuels, mineral oils and products of their distillation; bituminous substances; mineral waxes). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2711 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
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