Pure toluene imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of pure toluene by South Africa reached $20.7 million in 2024 (18.7 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value fell 26% from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2023, at $27.8 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 | $20.7M | 18.7K t |
| 2023 | $27.8M | 25.1K t |
| 2022 | $23.9M | 21.4K t |
| 2021 | $22.2M | 28.3K t |
| 2020 | $10.5M | 19.0K t |
| 2019 | $15.7M | 21.5K t |
| 2018 | $15.3M | 19.0K t |
| 2017 | $13.6M | 20.4K t |
Where South Africa imports pure toluene from
Most of the value came from Spain (32%), Belgium (26%), Switzerland (20%). Among the main suppliers, Switzerland grew fastest (+219% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Spain | $6.6M | 32% |
| Belgium | $5.3M | 26% |
| Switzerland | $4.1M | 20% |
| South Korea | $3.5M | 17% |
| Israel | $958K | 4.6% |
| India | $82K | 0.4% |
| Taiwan | $69K | 0.3% |
| Netherlands | $68K | 0.3% |
| Germany | $18K | 0.1% |
| France | $4K | 0% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.10 per kg, close to the world average of $0.95.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Pure toluene exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported pure toluene worth $608 thousand (371 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Zimbabwe (43%), Zambia (38%), Malawi (6%). Among the main buyer markets, Botswana grew fastest (+551% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $262K | 43% |
| Zambia | $231K | 38% |
| Malawi | $33K | 5.5% |
| Eswatini | $22K | 3.7% |
| Namibia | $21K | 3.4% |
| Angola | $17K | 2.7% |
| Botswana | $16K | 2.6% |
| Mozambique | $3K | 0.5% |
| Burkina Faso | $2K | 0.3% |
| Tanzania | $1K | 0.2% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa pure toluene imports (HS 2902.30): 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 2902.30: Cyclic hydrocarbons: toluene.
Common questions
What is the value of pure toluene imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported pure toluene worth $20.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 18.7 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 19th of 160 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was down 26% on 2023.
Which countries supply pure toluene to South Africa?
Spain was the largest supplier with 32% of the value ($6.6 million), followed by Belgium (26%) and Switzerland (20%). The top three together account for 77%, out of 15 supplier countries in total. Switzerland grew fastest among the top ten, up 219% on the year.
What is the average import price of pure toluene per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.10 per kg in 2024, 16% above the world average of $0.95 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of pure toluene to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $13.6 million in 2017 to $20.7 million in 2024, an increase of 52%. The peak was 2023 at $27.8 million. Over 8 years the average was $18.7 million a year.
Does South Africa also export pure toluene?
Yes. South Africa exported $608 thousand 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 $20.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for pure toluene?
The HS code for pure toluene is subheading 2902.30. It sits in HS chapter 29 (organic chemicals). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2902 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.
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