Tanning extract exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, South Africa exported tanning extract worth $63.4 million (36.1 thousand tonnes). It ranks 1st of 97 countries for exports of this product. That is close to the 2023 level. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
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 | $63.4M | 36.1K t |
| 2023 | $65.0M | 35.2K t |
| 2022 | $59.8M | 38.9K t |
| 2021 | $62.7M | 42.2K t |
| 2020 | $35.7M | 24.9K t |
| 2019 | $47.9M | 35.4K t |
| 2018 | $55.3M | 37.5K t |
| 2017 | $56.0M | 39.8K t |
Where South Africa exports tanning extract to
The largest buyer markets were China (20%), India (15%), Turkey (7%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 41%. Among the main buyer markets, Spain grew fastest (+64% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $12.6M | 20% |
| India | $9.4M | 15% |
| Turkey | $4.3M | 6.8% |
| Spain | $3.2M | 5% |
| Bangladesh | $3.2M | 5% |
| United States | $3.1M | 4.9% |
| Cuba | $3.0M | 4.7% |
| Italy | $2.4M | 3.8% |
| Pakistan | $1.8M | 2.9% |
| Japan | $1.8M | 2.9% |
Product types under HS 3201
| 3201.20 | Tanning extracts of vegetable origin: wattle extract | 94% |
| 3201.90 | Tanning extracts of vegetable origin: tannins and their salts, ethers, esters and other derivatives, (excluding quebracho or wattle extract) | 5.6% |
| 3201.10 | Tanning extracts of vegetable origin: quebracho extract | 0.2% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 3201.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.75 per kg, 31% below the world average of $2.54, 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.
Tanning extract imports to South Africa
In 2024, South Africa imported tanning extract worth $2.1 million (585 tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. The largest suppliers were Argentina (40%), Italy (28%), Belgium (11%). Among the main suppliers, Peru grew fastest (+209% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Argentina | $844K | 40% |
| Italy | $593K | 28% |
| Belgium | $239K | 11% |
| Peru | $116K | 5.5% |
| United States | $91K | 4.3% |
| France | $79K | 3.7% |
| India | $64K | 3% |
| Brazil | $33K | 1.6% |
| Germany | $21K | 1% |
| China | $13K | 0.6% |
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 3201: Tanning extracts of vegetable origin; tannins and their salts, ethers, esters and other derivatives.
Common questions
What is the value of tanning extract exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported tanning extract worth $63.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 36.1 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 1st of 97 countries worldwide, with 17% of world exports. The value was down 2% on 2023.
Which countries buy tanning extract from South Africa?
China was the largest buyer with 20% of the value ($12.6 million), followed by India (15%) and Turkey (7%). The top three together account for 41%, out of 72 buyer countries in total. Spain grew fastest among the top ten, up 64% on the year.
What is the average export price of tanning extract per kg?
The average declared export value was about $1.75 per kg in 2024, 31% below the world average of $2.54 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 tanning extract from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $56.0 million in 2017 to $63.4 million in 2024, an increase of 13%. The peak was 2023 at $65.0 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import tanning extract?
Yes. South Africa imported $2.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Argentina, Italy and Belgium. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $61.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for tanning extract?
The HS code for tanning extract is heading 3201. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 3201.20 (94% of the value) and 3201.90 (6%). 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 3201 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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