Synthetic lubricant additive exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $4.0 million of synthetic lubricant additive in 2024 (1.1 thousand tonnes). Value rose 29% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 24% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2022, at $5.7 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $4.0M | 1.1K t |
| 2023 | $3.1M | 822 t |
| 2022 | $5.7M | 1.0K t |
| 2021 | $5.2M | 1.1K t |
| 2020 | $4.3M | 1.1K t |
| 2019 | $1.3M | 325 t |
| 2018 | $2.4M | 660 t |
| 2017 | $889K | 224 t |
Where South Africa exports synthetic lubricant additive to
Kenya alone took 67% of it. Among the main buyer markets, Kenya grew fastest (+210% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Kenya | $2.7M | 67% |
| Botswana | $523K | 13% |
| Zambia | $261K | 6.5% |
| Nigeria | $159K | 4% |
| Eswatini | $115K | 2.9% |
| Germany | $60K | 1.5% |
| Zimbabwe | $47K | 1.2% |
| Namibia | $47K | 1.2% |
| Mozambique | $43K | 1.1% |
| Angola | $26K | 0.6% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $3.71 per kg, close to the world average of $4.34.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Synthetic lubricant additive imports to South Africa
Imports of synthetic lubricant additive by South Africa reached $2.3 million in 2024 (343 tonnes). The largest suppliers were Germany (29%), France (14%), India (10%). Among the main suppliers, India grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $650K | 29% |
| France | $307K | 14% |
| India | $232K | 10% |
| Slovakia | $181K | 8% |
| United States | $178K | 7.9% |
| Netherlands | $175K | 7.7% |
| China | $111K | 4.9% |
| Belgium | $83K | 3.7% |
| Canada | $73K | 3.2% |
| Brazil | $48K | 2.1% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa synthetic lubricant additive exports (HS 3811.29): 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 3811.29: Lubricating oil additives: not containing petroleum oils or oils obtained from bituminous minerals.
Common questions
What is the value of synthetic lubricant additive exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported synthetic lubricant additive worth $4.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.1 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 20th of 107 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was up 29% on 2023.
Which countries buy synthetic lubricant additive from South Africa?
Kenya was the largest buyer with 67% of the value ($2.7 million), followed by Botswana (13%) and Zambia (6%). The top three together account for 86%, out of 26 buyer countries in total. Mozambique grew fastest among the top ten, up 403% on the year.
What is the average export price of synthetic lubricant additive per kg?
The average declared export value was about $3.71 per kg in 2024, 15% below the world average of $4.34 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of synthetic lubricant additive from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $889 thousand in 2017 to $4.0 million in 2024, an increase of 353%. The peak was 2022 at $5.7 million. Over 8 years the average was $3.4 million a year.
Does South Africa also import synthetic lubricant additive?
Yes. South Africa imported $2.3 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Germany, France and India. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $1.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for synthetic lubricant additive?
The HS code for synthetic lubricant additive is subheading 3811.29. It sits in HS chapter 38 (chemical products n.e.c.). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3811 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 synthetic lubricant additive trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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