Synthetic tanning agent exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of synthetic tanning agent by South Africa reached $40.7 million in 2024 (41.7 thousand tonnes). That makes it the 6th largest exporter of this product worldwide, out of 103 countries. That is 5% less than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2022, at $57.2 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 | $40.7M | 41.7K t |
| 2023 | $42.9M | 37.5K t |
| 2022 | $57.2M | 39.8K t |
| 2021 | $33.2M | 33.9K t |
| 2020 | $27.3M | 28.4K t |
| 2019 | $32.1M | 35.8K t |
| 2018 | $37.9M | 37.8K t |
| 2017 | $44.5M | 44.2K t |
Where South Africa exports synthetic tanning agent to
Most of it went to Brazil (24%), China (19%), Pakistan (8%). Among the main buyer markets, Pakistan grew fastest (+63% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Brazil | $9.6M | 24% |
| China | $7.9M | 19% |
| Pakistan | $3.4M | 8.4% |
| Thailand | $3.1M | 7.7% |
| Bangladesh | $2.6M | 6.5% |
| Mexico | $2.4M | 5.9% |
| Italy | $2.3M | 5.7% |
| Vietnam | $662K | 1.6% |
| Turkey | $659K | 1.6% |
| New Zealand | $586K | 1.4% |
Product types under HS 3202
| 3202.90 | Tanning substances: inorganic tanning substances: tanning preparations, whether or not containing natural tanning substances: enzymatic preparations… | 98% |
| 3202.10 | Tanning substances: synthetic organic tanning substances | 2% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 3202.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.98 per kg, 38% below the world average of $1.58, 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 tanning agent imports to South Africa
South Africa imported $8.6 million of synthetic tanning agent in 2024 (3.4 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 2%. The largest suppliers were Netherlands (21%), Germany (19%), France (18%). Among the main suppliers, Ireland grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Netherlands | $1.8M | 21% |
| Germany | $1.6M | 19% |
| France | $1.5M | 18% |
| Italy | $875K | 10% |
| Ireland | $644K | 7.5% |
| India | $526K | 6.1% |
| Peru | $438K | 5.1% |
| Spain | $405K | 4.7% |
| China | $289K | 3.4% |
| Brazil | $165K | 1.9% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
Public statistics stop at country totals and the last published year. EximDataX shows the shipment records underneath: the companies, dates, quantities and declared values, updated weekly.
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.
Updated weekly on EximDataX (some markets daily), while public statistics stop at 2024.
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 3202: Tanning substances; synthetic organic or inorganic tanning substances; tanning preparations, whether or not containing natural tanning substances, enzymatic preparations for pre-tanning.
Common questions
What is the value of synthetic tanning agent exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported synthetic tanning agent worth $40.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 41.7 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 6th of 103 countries worldwide, with 7% of world exports. The value was down 5% on 2023.
Which countries buy synthetic tanning agent from South Africa?
Brazil was the largest buyer with 24% of the value ($9.6 million), followed by China (19%) and Pakistan (8%). The top three together account for 51%, out of 67 buyer countries in total. Pakistan grew fastest among the top ten, up 63% on the year.
What is the average export price of synthetic tanning agent per kg?
The average declared export value was about $0.98 per kg in 2024, 38% below the world average of $1.58 per kg. It is total declared value divided by total weight, so it blends every grade and size; use it as a benchmark, not a quote. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
How have exports of synthetic tanning agent from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $44.5 million in 2017 to $40.7 million in 2024, a fall of 9%. The peak was 2022 at $57.2 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import synthetic tanning agent?
Yes. South Africa imported $8.6 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from the Netherlands, Germany and France. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $32.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for synthetic tanning agent?
The HS code for synthetic tanning agent is heading 3202. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 3202.90 (98% of the value) and 3202.10 (2%). 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 3202 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
Public statistics stop at country totals. EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, updated weekly, so you can see the companies that ship to and from it. Tell us your product and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
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