Vat dyes imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported vat dyes worth $2.4 million (303 tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value rose 27% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 10% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2017, at $5.2 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
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Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $2.4M | 303 t |
| 2023 | $1.9M | 103 t |
| 2022 | $1.9M | 66 t |
| 2021 | $3.4M | 114 t |
| 2020 | $1.2M | 33 t |
| 2019 | $1.8M | 83 t |
| 2018 | $2.2M | 164 t |
| 2017 | $5.2M | 616 t |
Where South Africa imports vat dyes from
Most of the value came from Singapore (27%), China (26%), United Kingdom (12%). Among the main suppliers, Singapore grew fastest (+620% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Singapore | $659K | 27% |
| China | $627K | 26% |
| United Kingdom | $291K | 12% |
| India | $247K | 10% |
| Switzerland | $140K | 5.8% |
| Pakistan | $122K | 5% |
| Taiwan | $102K | 4.2% |
| Italy | $101K | 4.2% |
| Germany | $66K | 2.7% |
| Japan | $32K | 1.3% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $7.97 per kg, 23% above the world average of $6.50. 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.
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa vat dyes imports (HS 3204.15): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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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 3204.15: Dyes: vat dyes (including those usable in that state as pigments) and preparations based thereon.
Common questions
What is the value of vat dyes imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported vat dyes worth $2.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 303 tonnes. That ranks it 31st of 137 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 27% on 2023.
Which countries supply vat dyes to South Africa?
Singapore was the largest supplier with 27% of the value ($659 thousand), followed by China (26%) and the United Kingdom (12%). The top three together account for 65%, out of 15 supplier countries in total. Singapore grew fastest among the top ten, up 620% on the year.
What is the average import price of vat dyes per kg?
The average declared import value was about $7.97 per kg in 2024, 23% above the world average of $6.50 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of vat dyes to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $5.2 million in 2017 to $2.4 million in 2024, a fall of 54%. The peak was 2017 at $5.2 million. Over 8 years the average was $2.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for vat dyes?
The HS code for vat dyes is subheading 3204.15. 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?
The totals here are public statistics; EximDataX adds the company names by reading partner countries' customs records for South Africa. Tell us your product to see it live.
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