Cellulose nitrate imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported cellulose nitrate worth $6.7 million (2.0 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 25% more than in 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
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $6.7M | 2.0K t |
| 2023 | $5.4M | 1.6K t |
| 2022 | $5.0M | 1.7K t |
| 2021 | $4.0M | 1.6K t |
| 2020 | $4.4M | 1.8K t |
| 2019 | $4.5M | 1.7K t |
| 2018 | $5.6M | 2.1K t |
| 2017 | $5.8M | 2.2K t |
Where South Africa imports cellulose nitrate from
One supplier dominates: Brazil accounted for 50% of the value. Among the main suppliers, Thailand grew fastest (+111% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Brazil | $3.4M | 50% |
| Thailand | $1.3M | 20% |
| China | $943K | 14% |
| India | $713K | 11% |
| Hong Kong | $225K | 3.3% |
| Germany | $59K | 0.9% |
| Taiwan | $39K | 0.6% |
| Spain | $23K | 0.3% |
| Netherlands | $14K | 0.2% |
| United Kingdom | $10K | 0.2% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $3.36 per kg, close to the world average of $4.09.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Cellulose nitrate exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported cellulose nitrate worth $212 thousand (63 tonnes). Zimbabwe alone took 59% of it. Among the main buyer markets, Malawi grew fastest (+91% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $126K | 59% |
| Mozambique | $56K | 26% |
| Malawi | $17K | 7.9% |
| Zambia | $10K | 4.7% |
| Namibia | $1K | 0.7% |
| Angola | $1K | 0.6% |
| DR Congo | $1K | 0.3% |
| Botswana | $1K | 0.2% |
| Mauritius | $0K | 0% |
| Uganda | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa cellulose nitrate imports (HS 3912.20): 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 3912.20: Cellulose nitrates (including collodions): in primary forms.
Common questions
What is the value of cellulose nitrate imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported cellulose nitrate worth $6.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 2.0 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 22nd of 140 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 25% on 2023.
Which countries supply cellulose nitrate to South Africa?
Brazil was the largest supplier with 50% of the value ($3.4 million), followed by Thailand (20%) and China (14%). The top three together account for 84%, out of 12 supplier countries in total. Spain grew fastest among the top ten, up 838% on the year.
What is the average import price of cellulose nitrate per kg?
The average declared import value was about $3.36 per kg in 2024, 18% below the world average of $4.09 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 nitrate to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $5.8 million in 2017 to $6.7 million in 2024, an increase of 16%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $5.2 million a year.
Does South Africa also export cellulose nitrate?
Yes. South Africa exported $212 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Malawi. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $6.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for cellulose nitrate?
The HS code for cellulose nitrate is subheading 3912.20. 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.
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