Cellulose ethers (other) imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported cellulose ethers (other) worth $20.7 million (4.6 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 3% more than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2022, at $28.3 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 | $20.7M | 4.6K t |
| 2023 | $20.1M | 3.8K t |
| 2022 | $28.3M | 4.7K t |
| 2021 | $21.8M | 4.2K t |
| 2020 | $19.4M | 4.1K t |
| 2019 | $22.1M | 4.7K t |
| 2018 | $20.4M | 4.4K t |
| 2017 | $20.4M | 4.7K t |
Where South Africa imports cellulose ethers (other) from
Most of the value came from China (41%), Germany (20%), Sweden (12%). Among the main suppliers, United States grew fastest (+72% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $8.4M | 41% |
| Germany | $4.2M | 20% |
| Sweden | $2.4M | 12% |
| Netherlands | $2.1M | 9.9% |
| United States | $1.5M | 7.1% |
| Belgium | $1.2M | 6% |
| South Korea | $208K | 1% |
| Turkey | $140K | 0.7% |
| Italy | $128K | 0.6% |
| Japan | $93K | 0.5% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $4.50 per kg, 27% below the world average of $6.16, 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 ethers (other) exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported cellulose ethers (other) worth $2.7 million (520 tonnes). Most of it went to Zambia (34%), Zimbabwe (23%), Botswana (10%). Among the main buyer markets, Botswana grew fastest (+145% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zambia | $931K | 34% |
| Zimbabwe | $615K | 23% |
| Botswana | $264K | 9.7% |
| Mozambique | $245K | 9% |
| Angola | $166K | 6.1% |
| Namibia | $165K | 6.1% |
| Malawi | $107K | 4% |
| Eswatini | $54K | 2% |
| Germany | $46K | 1.7% |
| United Kingdom | $46K | 1.7% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa cellulose ethers (other) imports (HS 3912.39): 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 3912.39: Cellulose ethers: (other than carboxymethylcellulose and its salts), in primary forms.
Common questions
What is the value of cellulose ethers (other) imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported cellulose ethers (other) worth $20.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 4.6 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 35th of 183 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 3% on 2023.
Which countries supply cellulose ethers (other) to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 41% of the value ($8.4 million), followed by Germany (20%) and Sweden (12%). The top three together account for 73%, out of 24 supplier countries in total. Italy grew fastest among the top ten, up 166% on the year.
What is the average import price of cellulose ethers (other) per kg?
The average declared import value was about $4.50 per kg in 2024, 27% below the world average of $6.16 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of cellulose ethers (other) to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $20.4 million in 2017 to $20.7 million in 2024, an increase of 1%. The peak was 2022 at $28.3 million. Over 8 years the average was $21.7 million a year.
Does South Africa also export cellulose ethers (other)?
Yes. South Africa exported $2.7 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zambia, Zimbabwe and Botswana. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $18.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for cellulose ethers (other)?
The HS code for cellulose ethers (other) is subheading 3912.39. 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 cellulose ethers (other) trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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