Ethylene-alpha-olefin copolymer imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of ethylene-alpha-olefin copolymer by South Africa reached $72.8 million in 2024 (70.5 thousand tonnes). Value rose 4% on 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2022, at $112.6 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 | $72.8M | 70.5K t |
| 2023 | $70.0M | 65.4K t |
| 2022 | $112.6M | 78.0K t |
| 2021 | $81.6M | 74.1K t |
| 2020 | $57.5M | 68.6K t |
| 2019 | $72.5M | 71.0K t |
| 2018 | $84.8M | 71.1K t |
| 2017 | $58.4M | 53.8K t |
Where South Africa imports ethylene-alpha-olefin copolymer from
The largest suppliers were United States (46%), Saudi Arabia (30%), United Arab Emirates (6%). Among the main suppliers, Saudi Arabia grew fastest (+48% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $33.4M | 46% |
| Saudi Arabia | $21.6M | 30% |
| United Arab Emirates | $4.4M | 6% |
| Singapore | $3.1M | 4.2% |
| Spain | $2.6M | 3.6% |
| Finland | $2.5M | 3.4% |
| Austria | $1.6M | 2.2% |
| China | $784K | 1.1% |
| Canada | $654K | 0.9% |
| Netherlands | $444K | 0.6% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.03 per kg, close to the world average of $1.15.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Ethylene-alpha-olefin copolymer exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $5.1 million of ethylene-alpha-olefin copolymer in 2024 (3.7 thousand tonnes). Most of it went to Zambia (38%), Zimbabwe (12%), Malawi (11%). Among the main buyer markets, Zambia grew fastest (+266% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zambia | $1.9M | 38% |
| Zimbabwe | $623K | 12% |
| Malawi | $565K | 11% |
| Botswana | $399K | 7.9% |
| Italy | $362K | 7.2% |
| Spain | $323K | 6.4% |
| Eswatini | $320K | 6.3% |
| United Kingdom | $223K | 4.4% |
| Mozambique | $104K | 2.1% |
| North Macedonia | $79K | 1.6% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa ethylene-alpha-olefin copolymer imports (HS 3901.40): 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 3901.40: Ethylene polymers: in primary forms, ethylene-alpha-olefin copolymers, having a specific gravity of less than 0.94.
Common questions
What is the value of ethylene-alpha-olefin copolymer imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported ethylene-alpha-olefin copolymer worth $72.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 70.5 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 32nd of 164 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 4% on 2023.
Which countries supply ethylene-alpha-olefin copolymer to South Africa?
The United States was the largest supplier with 46% of the value ($33.4 million), followed by Saudi Arabia (30%) and the United Arab Emirates (6%). The top three together account for 82%, out of 22 supplier countries in total. The Netherlands grew fastest among the top ten, up 70% on the year.
What is the average import price of ethylene-alpha-olefin copolymer per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.03 per kg in 2024, 10% below the world average of $1.15 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of ethylene-alpha-olefin copolymer to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $58.4 million in 2017 to $72.8 million in 2024, an increase of 25%. The peak was 2022 at $112.6 million. Over 8 years the average was $76.3 million a year.
Does South Africa also export ethylene-alpha-olefin copolymer?
Yes. South Africa exported $5.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zambia, Zimbabwe and Malawi. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $67.7 million a year.
What is the HS code for ethylene-alpha-olefin copolymer?
The HS code for ethylene-alpha-olefin copolymer is subheading 3901.40. It sits in HS chapter 39 (plastics and articles thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3901 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
For South Africa, EximDataX reads the shipment records of the countries that trade with it and shows the companies on both sides. We can walk you through your product on a short call.
Same product, other countries
World ethylene-alpha-olefin copolymer trade: top importers and exporters
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