Foam glass blocks and panels imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of foam glass blocks and panels by South Africa reached $2.1 million in 2024 (613 tonnes). Value rose 68% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 18% a year on average.
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 | $2.1M | 613 t |
| 2023 | $1.3M | 638 t |
| 2022 | $1.6M | 737 t |
| 2021 | $394K | 733 t |
| 2020 | $419K | 745 t |
| 2019 | $857K | 1.1K t |
| 2018 | $728K | 1.3K t |
| 2017 | $681K | 1.3K t |
Where South Africa imports foam glass blocks and panels from
One supplier dominates: United States accounted for 75% of the value.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $1.6M | 75% |
| China | $208K | 9.8% |
| Belgium | $205K | 9.7% |
| Spain | $44K | 2.1% |
| Thailand | $43K | 2% |
| Czech Republic | $11K | 0.5% |
| Indonesia | $7K | 0.4% |
| Netherlands | $3K | 0.1% |
| Germany | $1K | 0.1% |
| Namibia | $0K | 0% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $3.46 per kg, 55% above the world average of $2.23. 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.
Foam glass blocks and panels exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported foam glass blocks and panels worth $355 thousand (1.2 thousand tonnes). Most of it went to Lesotho (27%), Namibia (17%), Botswana (10%). Among the main buyer markets, Botswana grew fastest (+140% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Lesotho | $95K | 27% |
| Namibia | $60K | 17% |
| Botswana | $37K | 10% |
| Seychelles | $28K | 8% |
| Eswatini | $27K | 7.6% |
| Mozambique | $23K | 6.3% |
| Zambia | $17K | 4.9% |
| Ghana | $13K | 3.7% |
| DR Congo | $12K | 3.4% |
| Somalia | $9K | 2.6% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa foam glass blocks and panels imports (HS 7016.90): 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 7016.90: Multicellular or foam glass: in blocks, panels, plates, shells or similar forms: paving blocks, slabs, bricks and other articles of pressed or moulded glass.
Common questions
What is the value of foam glass blocks and panels imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported foam glass blocks and panels worth $2.1 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 613 tonnes. That ranks it 53rd of 210 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 68% on 2023.
Which countries supply foam glass blocks and panels to South Africa?
The United States was the largest supplier with 75% of the value ($1.6 million), followed by China (10%) and Belgium (10%). The top three together account for 95%, out of 19 supplier countries in total. The Czech Republic grew fastest among the top ten, up 256% on the year.
What is the average import price of foam glass blocks and panels per kg?
The average declared import value was about $3.46 per kg in 2024, 55% above the world average of $2.23 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of foam glass blocks and panels to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $681 thousand in 2017 to $2.1 million in 2024, an increase of 211%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $1.0 million a year.
Does South Africa also export foam glass blocks and panels?
Yes. South Africa exported $355 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Lesotho, Namibia and Botswana. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $1.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for foam glass blocks and panels?
The HS code for foam glass blocks and panels is subheading 7016.90. It sits in HS chapter 70 (glass and glassware). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 7016 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.
Same product, other countries
World foam glass blocks and panels trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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