Flexible intermediate bulk containers imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of flexible intermediate bulk containers by South Africa reached $5.7 million in 2024 (2.4 thousand tonnes). That is 12% more than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2022, at $7.2 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 | $5.7M | 2.4K t |
| 2023 | $5.1M | 2.3K t |
| 2022 | $7.2M | 2.6K t |
| 2021 | $6.0M | 2.2K t |
| 2020 | $4.3M | 1.5K t |
| 2019 | $4.0M | 1.4K t |
| 2018 | $6.1M | 2.9K t |
| 2017 | $3.7M | 1.2K t |
Where South Africa imports flexible intermediate bulk containers from
India alone supplied 92% of it.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $5.3M | 92% |
| Namibia | $151K | 2.7% |
| China | $149K | 2.6% |
| Turkey | $43K | 0.8% |
| Czech Republic | $22K | 0.4% |
| Netherlands | $14K | 0.2% |
| Vietnam | $13K | 0.2% |
| Mozambique | $12K | 0.2% |
| United Kingdom | $11K | 0.2% |
| Germany | $10K | 0.2% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.37 per kg, close to the world average of $2.66.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Flexible intermediate bulk containers exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported flexible intermediate bulk containers worth $3.4 million (2.0 thousand tonnes). Most of it went to Zimbabwe (22%), Botswana (22%), Mozambique (14%). Among the main buyer markets, Mozambique grew fastest (+92% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $758K | 22% |
| Botswana | $749K | 22% |
| Mozambique | $463K | 14% |
| Namibia | $446K | 13% |
| Zambia | $277K | 8.1% |
| Madagascar | $165K | 4.8% |
| Malawi | $142K | 4.2% |
| Kenya | $141K | 4.1% |
| Ghana | $74K | 2.2% |
| Tanzania | $68K | 2% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa flexible intermediate bulk containers imports (HS 6305.32): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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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 6305.32: Sacks and bags: of a kind used for the packing of goods, of man-made textile materials, flexible intermediate bulk containers.
Common questions
What is the value of flexible intermediate bulk containers imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported flexible intermediate bulk containers worth $5.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 2.4 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 51st of 204 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 12% on 2023.
Which countries supply flexible intermediate bulk containers to South Africa?
India was the largest supplier with 92% of the value ($5.3 million), followed by Namibia (3%) and China (3%). The top three together account for 98%, out of 20 supplier countries in total. Namibia grew fastest among the top ten, up 197% on the year.
What is the average import price of flexible intermediate bulk containers per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.37 per kg in 2024, 11% below the world average of $2.66 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of flexible intermediate bulk containers to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $3.7 million in 2017 to $5.7 million in 2024, an increase of 52%. The peak was 2022 at $7.2 million. Over 8 years the average was $5.3 million a year.
Does South Africa also export flexible intermediate bulk containers?
Yes. South Africa exported $3.4 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zimbabwe, Botswana and Mozambique. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $2.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for flexible intermediate bulk containers?
The HS code for flexible intermediate bulk containers is subheading 6305.32. It sits in HS chapter 63 (textiles, made up articles; sets; worn clothing and worn textile articles; rags). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 6305 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 flexible intermediate bulk containers trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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