Synthetic dyes (other) imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $16.1 million of synthetic dyes (other) in 2024 (2.1 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is close to the 2023 level. 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 | $16.1M | 2.1K t |
| 2023 | $16.4M | 2.4K t |
| 2022 | $17.8M | 1.9K t |
| 2021 | $18.0M | 3.2K t |
| 2020 | $15.3M | 1.6K t |
| 2019 | $14.2M | 1.3K t |
| 2018 | $14.7M | 1.5K t |
| 2017 | $12.7M | 1.3K t |
Where South Africa imports synthetic dyes (other) from
The largest suppliers were India (46%), United States (10%), Italy (9%). Among the main suppliers, United States grew fastest (+40% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $7.3M | 46% |
| United States | $1.6M | 10% |
| Italy | $1.4M | 8.7% |
| Germany | $1.2M | 7.5% |
| China | $1.2M | 7.4% |
| France | $992K | 6.2% |
| United Kingdom | $524K | 3.3% |
| Mexico | $442K | 2.8% |
| Eswatini | $325K | 2% |
| Netherlands | $231K | 1.4% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $7.55 per kg, close to the world average of $8.86.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Synthetic dyes (other) exports from South Africa
Exports of synthetic dyes (other) by South Africa reached $3.0 million in 2024 (260 tonnes). One buyer market dominates: Eswatini accounted for 51% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, DR Congo grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Eswatini | $1.5M | 51% |
| Zambia | $292K | 9.6% |
| Namibia | $259K | 8.6% |
| Zimbabwe | $239K | 7.9% |
| Mozambique | $189K | 6.2% |
| DR Congo | $91K | 3% |
| Kenya | $82K | 2.7% |
| Malawi | $76K | 2.5% |
| Nigeria | $54K | 1.8% |
| Cameroon | $30K | 1% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa synthetic dyes (other) imports (HS 3204.19): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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.
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 3204.19: Dyes: n.e.c., including mixtures of colouring matter of two or more of those from item no. 3204.11 to 3204.19.
Common questions
What is the value of synthetic dyes (other) imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported synthetic dyes (other) worth $16.1 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 2.1 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 32nd of 195 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was down 2% on 2023.
Which countries supply synthetic dyes (other) to South Africa?
India was the largest supplier with 46% of the value ($7.3 million), followed by the United States (10%) and Italy (9%). The top three together account for 64%, out of 31 supplier countries in total. Eswatini grew fastest among the top ten, up 268% on the year.
What is the average import price of synthetic dyes (other) per kg?
The average declared import value was about $7.55 per kg in 2024, 15% below the world average of $8.86 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of synthetic dyes (other) to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $12.7 million in 2017 to $16.1 million in 2024, an increase of 26%. The peak was 2021 at $18.0 million. Over 8 years the average was $15.7 million a year.
Does South Africa also export synthetic dyes (other)?
Yes. South Africa exported $3.0 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Eswatini, Zambia and Namibia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $13.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for synthetic dyes (other)?
The HS code for synthetic dyes (other) is subheading 3204.19. 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 3204 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.
Same product, other countries
World synthetic dyes (other) trade: top importers and exporters
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
Everything we show you comes from official customs filings — records, not claims. 30 minutes. Your shipment. Your HS code. Real platform. If you don’t see something new about your market by the end of the call, we walk away. No follow-ups.