Float glass exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $57.1 million of float glass in 2024 (83.3 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. That is 32% 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 .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $57.1M | 83.3K t |
| 2023 | $43.3M | 53.4K t |
| 2022 | $29.6M | 45.9K t |
| 2021 | $46.5M | 75.4K t |
| 2020 | $26.2M | 55.7K t |
| 2019 | $39.2M | 74.1K t |
| 2018 | $48.4M | 88.8K t |
| 2017 | $40.1M | 85.7K t |
Where South Africa exports float glass to
One buyer market dominates: Morocco accounted for 78% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, Morocco grew fastest (+68% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Morocco | $44.7M | 78% |
| Zimbabwe | $3.4M | 6% |
| Spain | $2.2M | 3.8% |
| Mozambique | $1.6M | 2.7% |
| Zambia | $1.3M | 2.3% |
| Botswana | $1.0M | 1.8% |
| Lesotho | $906K | 1.6% |
| Namibia | $540K | 1% |
| Turkey | $518K | 0.9% |
| Eswatini | $445K | 0.8% |
Product types under HS 7005
| 7005.29 | Glass: float glass and surface ground or polished glass, in sheets, non-wired, (other than coloured throughout the mass (body tinted), opacified… | 69% |
| 7005.21 | Glass: float glass and surface ground or polished glass, in sheets, non-wired, coloured throughout the mass (body tinted), opacified, flashed or… | 30% |
| 7005.10 | Glass: float glass and surface ground or polished glass, in sheets, non-wired, having an absorbent reflecting or non-reflecting layer | 0.9% |
| 7005.30 | Glass: float glass and surface ground or polished glass, in sheets, wired glass, whether or not having an absorbent or reflecting layer | 0.1% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 7005.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.68 per kg, 24% above the world average of $0.55. 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.
Float glass imports to South Africa
Imports of float glass by South Africa reached $17.2 million in 2024 (38.8 thousand tonnes). Most of the value came from China (39%), Pakistan (17%), Tanzania (13%). Among the main suppliers, Tanzania grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $6.7M | 39% |
| Pakistan | $2.9M | 17% |
| Tanzania | $2.2M | 13% |
| United States | $1.0M | 6% |
| United Kingdom | $877K | 5.1% |
| Thailand | $848K | 4.9% |
| India | $509K | 3% |
| Belgium | $433K | 2.5% |
| Japan | $325K | 1.9% |
| Malaysia | $273K | 1.6% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
Public statistics stop at country totals and the last published year. EximDataX shows the shipment records underneath: the companies, dates, quantities and declared values, updated weekly.
Shipment records are in the platform
Tell us what you trade and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
Mirror data: built from the shipment records of the countries that trade with it.
Updated weekly on EximDataX (some markets daily), while public statistics stop at 2024.
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 7005: Glass; float glass and surface ground or polished glass, in sheets, whether or not having an absorbent, reflecting or non-reflecting layer, but not otherwise worked.
Common questions
What is the value of float glass exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported float glass worth $57.1 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 83.3 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 26th of 124 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was up 32% on 2023.
Which countries buy float glass from South Africa?
Morocco was the largest buyer with 78% of the value ($44.7 million), followed by Zimbabwe (6%) and Spain (4%). The top three together account for 88%, out of 19 buyer countries in total. Lesotho grew fastest among the top ten, up 184% on the year.
What is the average export price of float glass per kg?
The average declared export value was about $0.68 per kg in 2024, 24% above the world average of $0.55 per kg. It is total declared value divided by total weight, so it blends every grade and size; use it as a benchmark, not a quote. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
How have exports of float glass from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $40.1 million in 2017 to $57.1 million in 2024, an increase of 42%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import float glass?
Yes. South Africa imported $17.2 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from China, Pakistan and Tanzania. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $39.9 million a year.
What is the HS code for float glass?
The HS code for float glass is heading 7005. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 7005.29 (69% of the value) and 7005.21 (30%). It sits in HS chapter 70 (glass and glassware). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 7005 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
Public statistics stop at country totals. EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, updated weekly, so you can see the companies that ship to and from it. Tell us your product and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
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