Ethylene polymers (other) imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of ethylene polymers (other) by South Africa reached $25.7 million in 2024 (12.3 thousand tonnes). That is 72% 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 | $25.7M | 12.3K t |
| 2023 | $15.0M | 5.4K t |
| 2022 | $27.8M | 12.5K t |
| 2021 | $19.2M | 5.7K t |
| 2020 | $14.0M | 5.8K t |
| 2019 | $17.3M | 6.9K t |
| 2018 | $16.0M | 8.1K t |
| 2017 | $19.9M | 11.0K t |
Where South Africa imports ethylene polymers (other) from
The largest suppliers were Saudi Arabia (35%), China (28%), Netherlands (13%). Among the main suppliers, Saudi Arabia grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia | $9.0M | 35% |
| China | $7.2M | 28% |
| Netherlands | $3.3M | 13% |
| Germany | $1.8M | 7% |
| United States | $1.1M | 4.3% |
| Japan | $615K | 2.4% |
| Belgium | $553K | 2.2% |
| France | $362K | 1.4% |
| India | $333K | 1.3% |
| Czech Republic | $247K | 1% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.09 per kg, 23% above the world average of $1.70. This usually points to higher-grade or processed goods.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Ethylene polymers (other) exports from South Africa
Exports of ethylene polymers (other) by South Africa reached $12.8 million in 2024 (12.4 thousand tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Namibia (21%), Zimbabwe (18%), Botswana (18%). Among the main buyer markets, Malawi grew fastest (+80% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $2.7M | 21% |
| Zimbabwe | $2.3M | 18% |
| Botswana | $2.3M | 18% |
| Zambia | $1.4M | 11% |
| Mozambique | $1.1M | 8.9% |
| Malawi | $1.1M | 8.3% |
| Eswatini | $1.0M | 7.8% |
| Angola | $388K | 3% |
| DR Congo | $256K | 2% |
| Kenya | $77K | 0.6% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa ethylene polymers (other) imports (HS 3901.90): 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 3901.90: Ethylene polymers: in primary forms, n.e.c. in heading no. 3901.
Common questions
What is the value of ethylene polymers (other) imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported ethylene polymers (other) worth $25.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 12.3 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 42nd of 199 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 72% on 2023.
Which countries supply ethylene polymers (other) to South Africa?
Saudi Arabia was the largest supplier with 35% of the value ($9.0 million), followed by China (28%) and the Netherlands (13%). The top three together account for 76%, out of 33 supplier countries in total. The Czech Republic grew fastest among the top ten, up 448% on the year.
What is the average import price of ethylene polymers (other) per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.09 per kg in 2024, 23% above the world average of $1.70 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of ethylene polymers (other) to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $19.9 million in 2017 to $25.7 million in 2024, an increase of 29%. The peak was 2022 at $27.8 million. Over 8 years the average was $19.4 million a year.
Does South Africa also export ethylene polymers (other)?
Yes. South Africa exported $12.8 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Namibia, Zimbabwe and Botswana. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $12.9 million a year.
What is the HS code for ethylene polymers (other)?
The HS code for ethylene polymers (other) is subheading 3901.90. 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 polymers (other) trade: top importers and exporters
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