Cellulose derivatives (other) imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $7.0 million of cellulose derivatives (other) in 2024 (2.1 thousand tonnes). That is 8% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 8% a year on average.
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 | $7.0M | 2.1K t |
| 2023 | $6.5M | 1.5K t |
| 2022 | $7.3M | 1.9K t |
| 2021 | $5.0M | 1.7K t |
| 2020 | $5.1M | 1.8K t |
| 2019 | $5.5M | 2.0K t |
| 2018 | $4.5M | 1.8K t |
| 2017 | $3.9M | 1.3K t |
Where South Africa imports cellulose derivatives (other) from
The largest suppliers were India (27%), China (20%), Germany (16%). Among the main suppliers, Thailand grew fastest (+326% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $1.9M | 27% |
| China | $1.4M | 20% |
| Germany | $1.1M | 16% |
| United States | $1.1M | 15% |
| Ireland | $615K | 8.8% |
| Poland | $520K | 7.4% |
| Thailand | $201K | 2.9% |
| Taiwan | $102K | 1.5% |
| Belgium | $23K | 0.3% |
| Norway | $23K | 0.3% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $3.36 per kg, 33% below the world average of $5.00, 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.
Cellulose derivatives (other) exports from South Africa
Exports of cellulose derivatives (other) by South Africa reached $1.9 million in 2024 (628 tonnes). Most of it went to Spain (27%), Mozambique (21%), Zimbabwe (14%). Among the main buyer markets, Lesotho grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Spain | $509K | 27% |
| Mozambique | $393K | 21% |
| Zimbabwe | $265K | 14% |
| Namibia | $189K | 10% |
| Zambia | $143K | 7.5% |
| Malawi | $134K | 7.1% |
| Botswana | $123K | 6.5% |
| Angola | $40K | 2.1% |
| Lesotho | $37K | 1.9% |
| DR Congo | $19K | 1% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa cellulose derivatives (other) imports (HS 3912.90): 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 3912.90: Cellulose and its chemical derivatives: n.e.c. in item no. 3912, in primary forms.
Common questions
What is the value of cellulose derivatives (other) imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported cellulose derivatives (other) worth $7.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 2.1 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 43rd of 181 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 8% on 2023.
Which countries supply cellulose derivatives (other) to South Africa?
India was the largest supplier with 27% of the value ($1.9 million), followed by China (20%) and Germany (16%). The top three together account for 63%, out of 21 supplier countries in total. Thailand grew fastest among the top ten, up 326% on the year.
What is the average import price of cellulose derivatives (other) per kg?
The average declared import value was about $3.36 per kg in 2024, 33% below the world average of $5.00 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of cellulose derivatives (other) to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $3.9 million in 2017 to $7.0 million in 2024, an increase of 77%. The peak was 2022 at $7.3 million. Over 8 years the average was $5.6 million a year.
Does South Africa also export cellulose derivatives (other)?
Yes. South Africa exported $1.9 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Spain, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $5.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for cellulose derivatives (other)?
The HS code for cellulose derivatives (other) is subheading 3912.90. 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?
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.
Same product, other countries
World cellulose derivatives (other) trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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