Synthetic pigments imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $31.3 million of synthetic pigments in 2024 (4.9 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value rose 15% 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 | $31.3M | 4.9K t |
| 2023 | $27.2M | 4.1K t |
| 2022 | $32.6M | 4.4K t |
| 2021 | $34.2M | 5.1K t |
| 2020 | $25.3M | 3.3K t |
| 2019 | $27.0M | 3.6K t |
| 2018 | $31.0M | 3.9K t |
| 2017 | $29.1M | 3.6K t |
Where South Africa imports synthetic pigments from
The largest suppliers were China (34%), India (34%), Germany (6%). Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+53% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $10.7M | 34% |
| India | $10.5M | 34% |
| Germany | $1.8M | 5.8% |
| Sweden | $1.6M | 5.1% |
| Turkey | $1.0M | 3.2% |
| United Kingdom | $879K | 2.8% |
| Netherlands | $809K | 2.6% |
| United States | $595K | 1.9% |
| Italy | $533K | 1.7% |
| France | $400K | 1.3% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $6.45 per kg, 25% below the world average of $8.58, which often means bulk or lower-grade product.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Synthetic pigments exports from South Africa
Exports of synthetic pigments by South Africa reached $6.3 million in 2024 (924 tonnes). Most of it went to Nigeria (13%), Uganda (11%), United States (10%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 34%. Among the main buyer markets, United States grew fastest (+208% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Nigeria | $806K | 13% |
| Uganda | $659K | 11% |
| United States | $640K | 10% |
| Kenya | $603K | 9.6% |
| Namibia | $437K | 7% |
| Zambia | $291K | 4.7% |
| Botswana | $274K | 4.4% |
| Japan | $249K | 4% |
| Turkey | $238K | 3.8% |
| Zimbabwe | $226K | 3.6% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa synthetic pigments imports (HS 3204.17): 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 3204.17: Dyes: pigments and preparations based thereon.
Common questions
What is the value of synthetic pigments imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported synthetic pigments worth $31.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 4.9 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 32nd of 203 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 15% on 2023.
Which countries supply synthetic pigments to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 34% of the value ($10.7 million), followed by India (34%) and Germany (6%). The top three together account for 73%, out of 39 supplier countries in total. China grew fastest among the top ten, up 53% on the year.
What is the average import price of synthetic pigments per kg?
The average declared import value was about $6.45 per kg in 2024, 25% below the world average of $8.58 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 pigments to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $29.1 million in 2017 to $31.3 million in 2024, an increase of 8%. The peak was 2021 at $34.2 million. Over 8 years the average was $29.7 million a year.
Does South Africa also export synthetic pigments?
Yes. South Africa exported $6.3 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Nigeria, Uganda and the United States. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $25.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for synthetic pigments?
The HS code for synthetic pigments is subheading 3204.17. 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?
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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