Sodium hydroxide solid imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $25.1 million of sodium hydroxide solid in 2024 (58.0 thousand tonnes). It ranks 8th of 204 countries for imports of this product. The value was almost unchanged from 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 12% 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 | $25.1M | 58.0K t |
| 2023 | $24.7M | 48.1K t |
| 2022 | $28.6M | 38.9K t |
| 2021 | $10.2M | 20.7K t |
| 2020 | $6.1M | 17.7K t |
| 2019 | $8.4M | 19.1K t |
| 2018 | $10.6M | 16.5K t |
| 2017 | $11.0M | 19.9K t |
Where South Africa imports sodium hydroxide solid from
India alone supplied 65% of it. Among the main suppliers, India grew fastest (+78% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $16.3M | 65% |
| China | $7.0M | 28% |
| Kuwait | $589K | 2.4% |
| Pakistan | $310K | 1.2% |
| United Arab Emirates | $247K | 1% |
| Bangladesh | $178K | 0.7% |
| Saudi Arabia | $102K | 0.4% |
| Germany | $83K | 0.3% |
| Netherlands | $82K | 0.3% |
| France | $67K | 0.3% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.43 per kg, 33% below the world average of $0.64, 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.
Sodium hydroxide solid exports from South Africa
Exports of sodium hydroxide solid by South Africa reached $5.6 million in 2024 (7.1 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. The largest buyer markets were DR Congo (43%), Namibia (16%), Zimbabwe (10%). Among the main buyer markets, DR Congo grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| DR Congo | $2.4M | 43% |
| Namibia | $889K | 16% |
| Zimbabwe | $583K | 11% |
| Mozambique | $400K | 7.2% |
| Lesotho | $252K | 4.5% |
| Eswatini | $234K | 4.2% |
| Botswana | $198K | 3.6% |
| Malawi | $192K | 3.5% |
| Senegal | $114K | 2% |
| Zambia | $89K | 1.6% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa sodium hydroxide solid imports (HS 2815.11): 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 2815.11: Sodium hydroxide (caustic soda): solid.
Common questions
What is the value of sodium hydroxide solid imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported sodium hydroxide solid worth $25.1 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 58.0 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 8th of 204 countries worldwide, with 3% of world imports. The value was up 2% on 2023.
Which countries supply sodium hydroxide solid to South Africa?
India was the largest supplier with 65% of the value ($16.3 million), followed by China (28%) and Kuwait (2%). The top three together account for 95%, out of 19 supplier countries in total. Bangladesh grew fastest among the top ten, up 276% on the year.
What is the average import price of sodium hydroxide solid per kg?
The average declared import value was about $0.43 per kg in 2024, 33% below the world average of $0.64 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of sodium hydroxide solid to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $11.0 million in 2017 to $25.1 million in 2024, an increase of 127%. The peak was 2022 at $28.6 million. Over 8 years the average was $15.6 million a year.
Does South Africa also export sodium hydroxide solid?
Yes. South Africa exported $5.6 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the DR Congo, Namibia and Zimbabwe. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $19.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for sodium hydroxide solid?
The HS code for sodium hydroxide solid is subheading 2815.11. 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 2815 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 sodium hydroxide solid trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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