Synthetic paraffin wax exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of synthetic paraffin wax by South Africa reached $132.3 million in 2024 (61.3 thousand tonnes). That makes it the 3rd largest exporter of this product worldwide, out of 102 countries. Value rose 22% on 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2020, at $185.2 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 | $132.3M | 61.3K t |
| 2023 | $108.3M | 50.1K t |
| 2022 | $145.7M | 66.0K t |
| 2021 | $137.3M | 84.3K t |
| 2020 | $185.2M | 102.3K t |
| 2019 | $142.5M | 76.3K t |
| 2018 | $149.8M | 74.9K t |
| 2017 | $184.3M | 88.7K t |
Where South Africa exports synthetic paraffin wax to
The largest buyer markets were Germany (42%), United States (21%), Italy (5%). Among the main buyer markets, Brazil grew fastest (+254% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $55.6M | 42% |
| United States | $27.9M | 21% |
| Italy | $6.2M | 4.7% |
| Turkey | $5.6M | 4.2% |
| Japan | $5.0M | 3.8% |
| Brazil | $4.5M | 3.4% |
| France | $3.9M | 3% |
| China | $3.2M | 2.4% |
| Singapore | $3.2M | 2.4% |
| Australia | $2.2M | 1.7% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.16 per kg, 53% above the world average of $1.41. This usually points to higher-grade or processed goods.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Synthetic paraffin wax imports to South Africa
Imports of synthetic paraffin wax by South Africa reached $16.2 million in 2024 (6.9 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. China alone supplied 77% of it. Among the main suppliers, Egypt grew fastest (+340% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $12.5M | 78% |
| Egypt | $2.5M | 15% |
| Japan | $394K | 2.4% |
| Malaysia | $312K | 1.9% |
| Germany | $108K | 0.7% |
| Netherlands | $82K | 0.5% |
| Norway | $69K | 0.4% |
| United Arab Emirates | $69K | 0.4% |
| Austria | $48K | 0.3% |
| Hong Kong | $36K | 0.2% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa synthetic paraffin wax exports (HS 2712.20): 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 2712.20: Paraffin wax: containing by weight less than 0.75% of oil, obtained by synthesis or by other processes, whether or not coloured.
Common questions
What is the value of synthetic paraffin wax exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported synthetic paraffin wax worth $132.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 61.3 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 3rd of 102 countries worldwide, with 7% of world exports. The value was up 22% on 2023.
Which countries buy synthetic paraffin wax from South Africa?
Germany was the largest buyer with 42% of the value ($55.6 million), followed by the United States (21%) and Italy (5%). The top three together account for 68%, out of 68 buyer countries in total. Brazil grew fastest among the top ten, up 254% on the year.
What is the average export price of synthetic paraffin wax per kg?
The average declared export value was about $2.16 per kg in 2024, 53% above the world average of $1.41 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of synthetic paraffin wax from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $184.3 million in 2017 to $132.3 million in 2024, a fall of 28%. The peak was 2020 at $185.2 million. Over 8 years the average was $148.2 million a year.
Does South Africa also import synthetic paraffin wax?
Yes. South Africa imported $16.2 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from China, Egypt and Japan. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $116.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for synthetic paraffin wax?
The HS code for synthetic paraffin wax is subheading 2712.20. It sits in HS chapter 27 (mineral fuels, mineral oils and products of their distillation; bituminous substances; mineral waxes). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2712 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 paraffin wax trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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