Carboxymethyl cellulose imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported carboxymethyl cellulose worth $39.3 million (17.1 thousand tonnes). It ranks 5th of 172 countries for imports of this product. Value fell 11% from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
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 | $39.3M | 17.1K t |
| 2023 | $43.9M | 16.4K t |
| 2022 | $46.8M | 15.3K t |
| 2021 | $31.7M | 11.8K t |
| 2020 | $35.7M | 15.5K t |
| 2019 | $33.5M | 13.5K t |
| 2018 | $42.9M | 17.0K t |
| 2017 | $24.5M | 11.2K t |
Where South Africa imports carboxymethyl cellulose from
One supplier dominates: Finland accounted for 67% of the value.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Finland | $26.5M | 68% |
| China | $7.1M | 18% |
| Turkey | $2.6M | 6.7% |
| Germany | $899K | 2.3% |
| France | $862K | 2.2% |
| Eswatini | $376K | 1% |
| Australia | $301K | 0.8% |
| India | $250K | 0.6% |
| Spain | $101K | 0.3% |
| Ireland | $98K | 0.3% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.29 per kg, 32% below the world average of $3.39, 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.
Carboxymethyl cellulose exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $23.3 million of carboxymethyl cellulose in 2024 (6.6 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 2%. One buyer market dominates: Zimbabwe accounted for 59% of the value.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $13.8M | 59% |
| Zambia | $8.0M | 34% |
| Botswana | $351K | 1.5% |
| Mozambique | $331K | 1.4% |
| Nigeria | $205K | 0.9% |
| Namibia | $166K | 0.7% |
| United Kingdom | $118K | 0.5% |
| Tanzania | $114K | 0.5% |
| DR Congo | $92K | 0.4% |
| Malawi | $76K | 0.3% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa carboxymethyl cellulose imports (HS 3912.31): 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 3912.31: Cellulose ethers: carboxymethylcellulose and its salts, in primary forms.
Common questions
What is the value of carboxymethyl cellulose imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported carboxymethyl cellulose worth $39.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 17.1 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 5th of 172 countries worldwide, with 4% of world imports. The value was down 11% on 2023.
Which countries supply carboxymethyl cellulose to South Africa?
Finland was the largest supplier with 67% of the value ($26.5 million), followed by China (18%) and Turkey (7%). The top three together account for 92%, out of 16 supplier countries in total. Eswatini grew fastest among the top ten, up 200% on the year.
What is the average import price of carboxymethyl cellulose per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.29 per kg in 2024, 32% below the world average of $3.39 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of carboxymethyl cellulose to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $24.5 million in 2017 to $39.3 million in 2024, an increase of 61%. The peak was 2022 at $46.8 million. Over 8 years the average was $37.3 million a year.
Does South Africa also export carboxymethyl cellulose?
Yes. South Africa exported $23.3 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $16.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for carboxymethyl cellulose?
The HS code for carboxymethyl cellulose is subheading 3912.31. It sits in HS chapter 39 (plastics and articles thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3912 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, so the companies shipping to and from it are visible. Ask for a live look at your product.
Same product, other countries
World carboxymethyl cellulose trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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