Stearic acid imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $7.1 million of stearic acid in 2024 (5.6 thousand tonnes). Value fell 5% from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2022, at $9.5 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 | $7.1M | 5.6K t |
| 2023 | $7.4M | 5.8K t |
| 2022 | $9.5M | 5.4K t |
| 2021 | $9.1M | 6.9K t |
| 2020 | $6.2M | 6.6K t |
| 2019 | $5.6M | 6.9K t |
| 2018 | $6.6M | 7.3K t |
| 2017 | $8.5M | 8.9K t |
Where South Africa imports stearic acid from
Malaysia alone supplied 62% of it. Among the main suppliers, India grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Malaysia | $4.4M | 62% |
| Indonesia | $1.4M | 20% |
| India | $819K | 12% |
| Singapore | $199K | 2.8% |
| China | $86K | 1.2% |
| Argentina | $74K | 1.1% |
| United States | $20K | 0.3% |
| Germany | $18K | 0.3% |
| Netherlands | $15K | 0.2% |
| France | $10K | 0.1% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.28 per kg, close to the world average of $1.12.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa stearic acid imports (HS 3823.11): 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 3823.11: Industrial monocarboxylic fatty acids, acid oils from refining: stearic acid.
Common questions
What is the value of stearic acid imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported stearic acid worth $7.1 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 5.6 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 30th of 166 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 5% on 2023.
Which countries supply stearic acid to South Africa?
Malaysia was the largest supplier with 62% of the value ($4.4 million), followed by Indonesia (20%) and India (12%). The top three together account for 94%, out of 16 supplier countries in total. Germany grew fastest among the top ten, up 161% on the year.
What is the average import price of stearic acid per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.28 per kg in 2024, 14% above the world average of $1.12 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of stearic acid to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $8.5 million in 2017 to $7.1 million in 2024, a fall of 16%. The peak was 2022 at $9.5 million. Over 8 years the average was $7.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for stearic acid?
The HS code for stearic acid is subheading 3823.11. It sits in HS chapter 38 (chemical products n.e.c.). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3823 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.
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