Tall oil imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported tall oil worth $2.2 million (2.2 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 15% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 10% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2018, at $5.4 million.
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 | $2.2M | 2.2K t |
| 2023 | $2.6M | 2.3K t |
| 2022 | $2.6M | 2.1K t |
| 2021 | $874K | 1.3K t |
| 2020 | $948K | 1.1K t |
| 2019 | $4.3M | 6.5K t |
| 2018 | $5.4M | 9.9K t |
| 2017 | $4.7M | 9.8K t |
Where South Africa imports tall oil from
The largest suppliers were Brazil (32%), Spain (32%), Russia (26%). Among the main suppliers, Spain grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Brazil | $694K | 32% |
| Spain | $693K | 32% |
| Russia | $576K | 27% |
| New Zealand | $117K | 5.4% |
| Turkey | $96K | 4.4% |
| Namibia | $0K | 0% |
| Nigeria | $0K | 0% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.97 per kg, close to the world average of $1.17.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Tall oil exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $1.4 million of tall oil in 2024 (1.1 thousand tonnes). Senegal alone took 94% of it. Among the main buyer markets, India grew fastest (+52% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Senegal | $1.3M | 94% |
| India | $67K | 5% |
| Kenya | $5K | 0.3% |
| Botswana | $3K | 0.3% |
| Zimbabwe | $3K | 0.2% |
| Zambia | $2K | 0.1% |
| Mozambique | $1K | 0.1% |
| Mauritius | $1K | 0.1% |
| Namibia | $1K | 0.1% |
| Lesotho | $0K | 0% |
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 3803: Tall oil, whether or not refined.
Common questions
What is the value of tall oil imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported tall oil worth $2.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 2.2 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 19th of 112 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was down 15% on 2023.
Which countries supply tall oil to South Africa?
Brazil was the largest supplier with 32% of the value ($694 thousand), followed by Spain (32%) and Russia (26%). The top three together account for 90%, out of 7 supplier countries in total. New Zealand grew fastest among the top ten, up 117% on the year.
What is the average import price of tall oil per kg?
The average declared import value was about $0.97 per kg in 2024, 17% below the world average of $1.17 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 imports of tall oil to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $4.7 million in 2017 to $2.2 million in 2024, a fall of 54%. The peak was 2018 at $5.4 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export tall oil?
Yes. South Africa exported $1.4 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Senegal, India and Kenya. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $820 thousand a year.
What is the HS code for tall oil?
The HS code for tall oil is heading 3803. In South Africa all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 3803.00. It sits in HS chapter 38 (chemical products n.e.c.). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3803 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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