Solvent-based paint imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $76.8 million of solvent-based paint in 2024 (13.1 thousand tonnes). Value rose 7% on 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 | $76.8M | 13.1K t |
| 2023 | $72.0M | 11.5K t |
| 2022 | $73.5M | 11.8K t |
| 2021 | $69.1M | 14.6K t |
| 2020 | $49.1M | 9.5K t |
| 2019 | $64.8M | 13.8K t |
| 2018 | $68.6M | 12.0K t |
| 2017 | $60.5M | 10.6K t |
Where South Africa imports solvent-based paint from
Most of the value came from Germany (27%), Italy (14%), Spain (8%). Trade is spread widely: the top three suppliers together make up only 48%. Among the main suppliers, Switzerland grew fastest (+72% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $20.5M | 27% |
| Italy | $10.4M | 14% |
| Spain | $5.8M | 7.5% |
| United States | $5.6M | 7.3% |
| United Kingdom | $5.2M | 6.8% |
| France | $4.3M | 5.6% |
| Netherlands | $3.9M | 5.1% |
| Switzerland | $3.6M | 4.7% |
| China | $3.0M | 3.9% |
| Austria | $2.2M | 2.9% |
Product types under HS 3208
| 3208.20 | Paints and varnishes: based on acrylic or vinyl polymers, dispersed or dissolved in a non-aqueous medium | 44% |
| 3208.90 | Paints and varnishes: based on polymers n.e.c. in heading no. 3208, dispersed or dissolved in a non-aqueous medium | 43% |
| 3208.10 | Paints and varnishes: based on polyesters, dispersed or dissolved in a non-aqueous medium | 14% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 3208.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $5.85 per kg, close to the world average of $5.76.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Solvent-based paint exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported solvent-based paint worth $56.2 million (21.8 thousand tonnes). Most of it went to Namibia (14%), Botswana (14%), Mozambique (11%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 38%. Among the main buyer markets, Angola grew fastest (+174% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $7.9M | 14% |
| Botswana | $7.7M | 14% |
| Mozambique | $5.9M | 11% |
| Zambia | $5.9M | 11% |
| Angola | $4.4M | 7.8% |
| Lesotho | $4.1M | 7.3% |
| Zimbabwe | $3.0M | 5.3% |
| Eswatini | $2.5M | 4.5% |
| United States | $1.9M | 3.3% |
| DR Congo | $1.8M | 3.2% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
Public statistics stop at country totals and the last published year. EximDataX shows the shipment records underneath: the companies, dates, quantities and declared values, updated weekly.
Shipment records are in the platform
Tell us what you trade and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
Mirror data: built from the shipment records of the countries that trade with it.
Updated weekly on EximDataX (some markets daily), while public statistics stop at 2024.
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 3208: Paints, varnishes; (enamels and lacquers) based on synthetic polymers or chemically modified natural polymers, dispersed or dissolved in a non-aqueous medium.
Common questions
What is the value of solvent-based paint imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported solvent-based paint worth $76.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 13.1 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 51st of 225 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 7% on 2023.
Which countries supply solvent-based paint to South Africa?
Germany was the largest supplier with 27% of the value ($20.5 million), followed by Italy (14%) and Spain (8%). The top three together account for 48%, out of 60 supplier countries in total. Switzerland grew fastest among the top ten, up 72% on the year.
What is the average import price of solvent-based paint per kg?
The average declared import value was about $5.85 per kg in 2024, close to the world average of $5.76 per kg. It is total declared value divided by total weight, so it blends every grade and size; use it as a benchmark, not a quote. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
How have imports of solvent-based paint to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $60.5 million in 2017 to $76.8 million in 2024, an increase of 27%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export solvent-based paint?
Yes. South Africa exported $56.2 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Namibia, Botswana and Mozambique. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $20.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for solvent-based paint?
The HS code for solvent-based paint is heading 3208. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 3208.20 (44% of the value) and 3208.90 (43%). 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 3208 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
Public statistics stop at country totals. EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, updated weekly, so you can see the companies that ship to and from it. Tell us your product and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
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