Sodium tripolyphosphate imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $6.4 million of sodium tripolyphosphate in 2024 (5.5 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 14% 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 | $6.4M | 5.5K t |
| 2023 | $7.5M | 5.8K t |
| 2022 | $7.1M | 4.3K t |
| 2021 | $5.7M | 5.2K t |
| 2020 | $4.7M | 5.0K t |
| 2019 | $5.2M | 5.5K t |
| 2018 | $5.0M | 4.9K t |
| 2017 | $4.3M | 4.8K t |
Where South Africa imports sodium tripolyphosphate from
One supplier dominates: China accounted for 93% of the value.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $6.0M | 93% |
| Belgium | $182K | 2.8% |
| Thailand | $89K | 1.4% |
| Czech Republic | $75K | 1.2% |
| Austria | $52K | 0.8% |
| Spain | $36K | 0.6% |
| Saudi Arabia | $11K | 0.2% |
| Germany | $5K | 0.1% |
| France | $5K | 0.1% |
| United States | $0K | 0% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.17 per kg, close to the world average of $1.35.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Sodium tripolyphosphate exports from South Africa
Exports of sodium tripolyphosphate by South Africa reached $457 thousand in 2024 (282 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Zambia (43%), Zimbabwe (19%), Eswatini (15%). Among the main buyer markets, Botswana grew fastest (+36% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zambia | $196K | 43% |
| Zimbabwe | $88K | 19% |
| Eswatini | $70K | 15% |
| Namibia | $42K | 9.1% |
| Botswana | $40K | 8.7% |
| Mozambique | $5K | 1.1% |
| Malawi | $5K | 1.1% |
| Nigeria | $3K | 0.7% |
| Kenya | $3K | 0.6% |
| Madagascar | $2K | 0.5% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa sodium tripolyphosphate imports (HS 2835.31): 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 2835.31: Polyphosphates: sodium triphosphate (sodium tripolyphosphate), whether or not chemically defined.
Common questions
What is the value of sodium tripolyphosphate imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported sodium tripolyphosphate worth $6.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 5.5 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 26th of 166 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was down 14% on 2023.
Which countries supply sodium tripolyphosphate to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 93% of the value ($6.0 million), followed by Belgium (3%) and Thailand (1%). The top three together account for 97%, out of 12 supplier countries in total. Thailand grew fastest among the top ten, up 88% on the year.
What is the average import price of sodium tripolyphosphate per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.17 per kg in 2024, 13% below the world average of $1.35 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of sodium tripolyphosphate to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $4.3 million in 2017 to $6.4 million in 2024, an increase of 49%. The peak was 2023 at $7.5 million. Over 8 years the average was $5.7 million a year.
Does South Africa also export sodium tripolyphosphate?
Yes. South Africa exported $457 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zambia, Zimbabwe and Eswatini. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $6.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for sodium tripolyphosphate?
The HS code for sodium tripolyphosphate is subheading 2835.31. 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?
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 tripolyphosphate trade: top importers and exporters
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