Cellular plastic film imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $10.2 million of cellular plastic film in 2024 (3.1 thousand tonnes). Value fell 10% from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2019, at $15.8 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 | $10.2M | 3.1K t |
| 2023 | $11.4M | 3.9K t |
| 2022 | $10.0M | 2.8K t |
| 2021 | $11.5M | 4.0K t |
| 2020 | $11.9M | 4.1K t |
| 2019 | $15.8M | 4.7K t |
| 2018 | $13.4M | 4.1K t |
| 2017 | $13.0M | 3.7K t |
Where South Africa imports cellular plastic film from
Most of the value came from Germany (36%), China (27%), United Kingdom (6%). Among the main suppliers, Indonesia grew fastest (+163% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $3.6M | 36% |
| China | $2.8M | 27% |
| United Kingdom | $616K | 6% |
| France | $558K | 5.4% |
| United States | $494K | 4.8% |
| South Korea | $234K | 2.3% |
| Indonesia | $219K | 2.1% |
| Egypt | $170K | 1.7% |
| Turkey | $164K | 1.6% |
| Italy | $163K | 1.6% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $3.34 per kg, 59% below the world average of $8.07, 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.
Cellular plastic film exports from South Africa
Exports of cellular plastic film by South Africa reached $4.7 million in 2024 (1.6 thousand tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Mozambique (23%), Eswatini (20%), Namibia (15%). Among the main buyer markets, Canada grew fastest (+480% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Mozambique | $1.1M | 23% |
| Eswatini | $927K | 20% |
| Namibia | $706K | 15% |
| Australia | $245K | 5.2% |
| Zambia | $231K | 4.9% |
| DR Congo | $211K | 4.5% |
| Botswana | $190K | 4% |
| Spain | $163K | 3.5% |
| Canada | $132K | 2.8% |
| Malawi | $102K | 2.2% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa cellular plastic film imports (HS 3921.19): 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 3921.19: Plastics: plates, sheets, film, foil and strip, of plastics n.e.c. in heading no. 3921, cellular.
Common questions
What is the value of cellular plastic film imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported cellular plastic film worth $10.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 3.1 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 56th of 215 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 10% on 2023.
Which countries supply cellular plastic film to South Africa?
Germany was the largest supplier with 36% of the value ($3.6 million), followed by China (27%) and the United Kingdom (6%). The top three together account for 69%, out of 51 supplier countries in total. Indonesia grew fastest among the top ten, up 163% on the year.
What is the average import price of cellular plastic film per kg?
The average declared import value was about $3.34 per kg in 2024, 59% below the world average of $8.07 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of cellular plastic film to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $13.0 million in 2017 to $10.2 million in 2024, a fall of 21%. The peak was 2019 at $15.8 million. Over 8 years the average was $12.2 million a year.
Does South Africa also export cellular plastic film?
Yes. South Africa exported $4.7 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Mozambique, Eswatini and Namibia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $5.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for cellular plastic film?
The HS code for cellular plastic film is subheading 3921.19. It sits in HS chapter 39 (plastics and articles thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3921 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 cellular plastic film trade: top importers and exporters
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