Water-based paint exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of water-based paint by South Africa reached $57.0 million in 2024 (30.7 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. Value rose 5% on 2023. 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 | $57.0M | 30.7K t |
| 2023 | $54.2M | 30.4K t |
| 2022 | $51.3M | 27.7K t |
| 2021 | $57.1M | 30.1K t |
| 2020 | $39.5M | 25.4K t |
| 2019 | $40.4M | 24.9K t |
| 2018 | $37.7M | 22.0K t |
| 2017 | $38.0M | 22.0K t |
Where South Africa exports water-based paint to
The largest buyer markets were Namibia (25%), Mozambique (18%), Botswana (12%). Among the main buyer markets, Ghana grew fastest (+84% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $14.5M | 25% |
| Mozambique | $10.1M | 18% |
| Botswana | $6.6M | 12% |
| Nigeria | $6.3M | 11% |
| Eswatini | $4.2M | 7.4% |
| Zambia | $3.0M | 5.3% |
| Lesotho | $2.5M | 4.3% |
| Zimbabwe | $2.1M | 3.7% |
| Ghana | $1.2M | 2.2% |
| Malawi | $865K | 1.5% |
Product types under HS 3209
| 3209.10 | Paints and varnishes: based on acrylic or vinyl polymers, dispersed or dissolved in an aqueous medium | 52% |
| 3209.90 | Paints and varnishes: (based on polymers other than acrylic or vinyl), dispersed or dissolved in an aqueous medium | 48% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 3209.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.86 per kg, 40% below the world average of $3.08, 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.
Water-based paint imports to South Africa
In 2024, South Africa imported water-based paint worth $34.2 million (8.8 thousand tonnes). The largest suppliers were Germany (38%), France (15%), Spain (13%). Among the main suppliers, Netherlands grew fastest (+164% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $13.0M | 38% |
| France | $5.0M | 15% |
| Spain | $4.4M | 13% |
| Japan | $2.8M | 8.2% |
| Netherlands | $1.9M | 5.4% |
| Italy | $1.7M | 5% |
| Indonesia | $1.5M | 4.4% |
| China | $1.1M | 3.2% |
| United Kingdom | $872K | 2.6% |
| United States | $397K | 1.2% |
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 3209: Paints and varnishes (including enamels and lacquers) based on synthetic or chemically modified natural polymers, dispersed or dissolved in an aqueous medium.
Common questions
What is the value of water-based paint exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported water-based paint worth $57.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 30.7 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 26th of 175 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was up 5% on 2023.
Which countries buy water-based paint from South Africa?
Namibia was the largest buyer with 25% of the value ($14.5 million), followed by Mozambique (18%) and Botswana (12%). The top three together account for 55%, out of 89 buyer countries in total. Ghana grew fastest among the top ten, up 84% on the year.
What is the average export price of water-based paint per kg?
The average declared export value was about $1.86 per kg in 2024, 40% below the world average of $3.08 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 water-based paint from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $38.0 million in 2017 to $57.0 million in 2024, an increase of 50%. The peak was 2021 at $57.1 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import water-based paint?
Yes. South Africa imported $34.2 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Germany, France and Spain. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $22.9 million a year.
What is the HS code for water-based paint?
The HS code for water-based paint is heading 3209. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 3209.10 (52% of the value) and 3209.90 (48%). 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 3209 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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