Xylenes imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported xylenes worth $5.4 million (5.3 thousand tonnes). That is 38% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 78% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2019, at $13.5 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 | $5.4M | 5.3K t |
| 2023 | $8.6M | 8.3K t |
| 2022 | $8.9M | 8.9K t |
| 2021 | $5.5M | 6.9K t |
| 2020 | $2.0M | 4.1K t |
| 2019 | $13.5M | 19.3K t |
| 2018 | $9.5M | 12.3K t |
| 2017 | $94K | 143 t |
Where South Africa imports xylenes from
The largest suppliers were Thailand (33%), South Korea (28%), Belgium (12%). Among the main suppliers, Germany grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Thailand | $1.8M | 33% |
| South Korea | $1.5M | 28% |
| Belgium | $629K | 12% |
| Germany | $558K | 10% |
| Netherlands | $541K | 10% |
| Taiwan | $337K | 6.3% |
| India | $29K | 0.5% |
| France | $24K | 0.5% |
| Portugal | $18K | 0.3% |
| Switzerland | $1K | 0% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.01 per kg, close to the world average of $0.87.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Xylenes exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $202 thousand of xylenes in 2024 (172 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Zimbabwe (48%), Mauritius (11%), Pakistan (11%). Among the main buyer markets, Ghana grew fastest (+227% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $97K | 48% |
| Mauritius | $23K | 11% |
| Pakistan | $23K | 11% |
| Zambia | $18K | 9% |
| Kuwait | $18K | 8.9% |
| Mozambique | $10K | 4.7% |
| Ghana | $8K | 4.1% |
| Namibia | $3K | 1.4% |
| Malawi | $3K | 1.4% |
| Lesotho | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa xylenes imports (HS 2707.30): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
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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 2707.30: Oils and products of the distillation of high temperature coal tar: xylol (xylenes).
Common questions
What is the value of xylenes imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported xylenes worth $5.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 5.3 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 31st of 158 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 38% on 2023.
Which countries supply xylenes to South Africa?
Thailand was the largest supplier with 33% of the value ($1.8 million), followed by South Korea (28%) and Belgium (12%). The top three together account for 72%, out of 13 supplier countries in total. Taiwan grew fastest among the top ten, up 738% on the year.
What is the average import price of xylenes per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.01 per kg in 2024, 16% above the world average of $0.87 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of xylenes to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $94 thousand in 2017 to $5.4 million in 2024. The peak was 2019 at $13.5 million. Over 8 years the average was $6.7 million a year.
Does South Africa also export xylenes?
Yes. South Africa exported $202 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zimbabwe, Mauritius and Pakistan. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $5.2 million a year.
What is the HS code for xylenes?
The HS code for xylenes is subheading 2707.30. It sits in HS chapter 27 (mineral fuels, mineral oils and products of their distillation; bituminous substances; mineral waxes). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2707 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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