Glass fiber imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $33.5 million of glass fiber in 2024 (20.3 thousand tonnes). Value fell 16% from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2021, at $48.6 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 | $33.5M | 20.3K t |
| 2023 | $40.1M | 19.0K t |
| 2022 | $43.6M | 17.7K t |
| 2021 | $48.6M | 20.9K t |
| 2020 | $29.6M | 14.2K t |
| 2019 | $38.0M | 19.1K t |
| 2018 | $41.0M | 18.3K t |
| 2017 | $38.9M | 17.3K t |
Where South Africa imports glass fiber from
Most of the value came from China (49%), Germany (12%), United Kingdom (8%). Among the main suppliers, India grew fastest (+38% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $16.6M | 50% |
| Germany | $4.0M | 12% |
| United Kingdom | $2.8M | 8.2% |
| United States | $1.1M | 3.4% |
| Costa Rica | $881K | 2.6% |
| India | $847K | 2.5% |
| Bahrain | $815K | 2.4% |
| France | $813K | 2.4% |
| Czech Republic | $586K | 1.8% |
| Italy | $577K | 1.7% |
Product types under HS 7019
| 7019.90 | Glass fibres: n.e.c. in heading no. 7019 | 31% |
| 7019.12 | Glass fibres: (including glass wool), rovings | 24% |
| 7019.39 | Glass fibres: webs, mattresses, boards and similar non-woven products excluding mats and thin sheets | 16% |
| 7019.31 | Glass fibres: non-woven products, mats | 10% |
| 7019.11 | Glass fibres: (including glass wool), chopped strands, of a length of not more than 50mm | 6.7% |
| 7019.59 | Glass fibres: woven fabrics (other than of rovings), n.e.c. in item no. 7019.5 | 6.6% |
| 7019.32 | Glass fibres: non-woven products, thin sheets (voiles) | 2.5% |
| 7019.40 | Glass fibres: woven fabrics of rovings | 2.3% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 7019.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.65 per kg, 33% below the world average of $2.48, which often means bulk or lower-grade product.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Glass fiber exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported glass fiber worth $7.5 million (1.9 thousand tonnes). Most of it went to Zimbabwe (18%), Namibia (9%), Mozambique (8%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 35%. Among the main buyer markets, Germany grew fastest (+316% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $1.3M | 18% |
| Namibia | $673K | 9% |
| Mozambique | $592K | 7.9% |
| Australia | $558K | 7.5% |
| Zambia | $527K | 7% |
| Botswana | $467K | 6.2% |
| DR Congo | $343K | 4.6% |
| Germany | $323K | 4.3% |
| Malawi | $252K | 3.4% |
| Mauritius | $188K | 2.5% |
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 7019: Glass fibres (including glass wool) and articles thereof (e.g. yarn, rovings, woven fabrics).
Common questions
What is the value of glass fiber imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported glass fiber worth $33.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 20.3 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 53rd of 226 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 16% on 2023.
Which countries supply glass fiber to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 49% of the value ($16.6 million), followed by Germany (12%) and the United Kingdom (8%). The top three together account for 69%, out of 61 supplier countries in total. Italy grew fastest among the top ten, up 61% on the year.
What is the average import price of glass fiber per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.65 per kg in 2024, 33% below the world average of $2.48 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 imports of glass fiber to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $38.9 million in 2017 to $33.5 million in 2024, a fall of 14%. The peak was 2021 at $48.6 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export glass fiber?
Yes. South Africa exported $7.5 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zimbabwe, Namibia and Mozambique. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $26.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for glass fiber?
The HS code for glass fiber is heading 7019. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 7019.90 (31% of the value) and 7019.12 (24%). It sits in HS chapter 70 (glass and glassware). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 7019 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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