Synthetic tanning agents imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $4.7 million of synthetic tanning agents in 2024 (1.7 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 2%. That is 33% more than in 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 | $4.7M | 1.7K t |
| 2023 | $3.5M | 1.5K t |
| 2022 | $4.8M | 2.0K t |
| 2021 | $4.0M | 2.0K t |
| 2020 | $3.4M | 1.8K t |
| 2019 | $4.7M | 2.6K t |
| 2018 | $4.5M | 2.7K t |
| 2017 | $4.3M | 2.3K t |
Where South Africa imports synthetic tanning agents from
The largest suppliers were Netherlands (25%), France (22%), Germany (17%). Among the main suppliers, Ireland grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Netherlands | $1.2M | 25% |
| France | $1.0M | 23% |
| Germany | $790K | 17% |
| Ireland | $629K | 14% |
| Italy | $485K | 10% |
| China | $142K | 3.1% |
| India | $141K | 3% |
| Brazil | $120K | 2.6% |
| Taiwan | $78K | 1.7% |
| United States | $28K | 0.6% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.73 per kg, 62% above the world average of $1.69. 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 tanning agents exports from South Africa
Exports of synthetic tanning agents by South Africa reached $832 thousand in 2024 (362 tonnes). Most of it went to Italy (35%), South Korea (24%), France (13%). Among the main buyer markets, Zambia grew fastest (+33% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Italy | $290K | 35% |
| South Korea | $201K | 24% |
| France | $112K | 14% |
| Namibia | $50K | 6% |
| Zambia | $46K | 5.6% |
| Uganda | $38K | 4.5% |
| Kenya | $36K | 4.3% |
| Zimbabwe | $31K | 3.7% |
| Japan | $11K | 1.3% |
| Malawi | $8K | 0.9% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa synthetic tanning agents imports (HS 3202.10): 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 3202.10: Tanning substances: synthetic organic tanning substances.
Common questions
What is the value of synthetic tanning agents imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported synthetic tanning agents worth $4.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.7 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 18th of 145 countries worldwide, with 2% of world imports. The value was up 33% on 2023.
Which countries supply synthetic tanning agents to South Africa?
The Netherlands was the largest supplier with 25% of the value ($1.2 million), followed by France (22%) and Germany (17%). The top three together account for 65%, out of 16 supplier countries in total. China grew fastest among the top ten, up 717% on the year.
What is the average import price of synthetic tanning agents per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.73 per kg in 2024, 62% above the world average of $1.69 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 tanning agents to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $4.3 million in 2017 to $4.7 million in 2024, an increase of 7%. The peak was 2022 at $4.8 million. Over 8 years the average was $4.2 million a year.
Does South Africa also export synthetic tanning agents?
Yes. South Africa exported $832 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Italy, South Korea and France. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $3.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for synthetic tanning agents?
The HS code for synthetic tanning agents is subheading 3202.10. 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?
For South Africa, EximDataX reads the shipment records of the countries that trade with it and shows the companies on both sides. We can walk you through your product on a short call.
Same product, other countries
World synthetic tanning agents trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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.