Glue imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of glue by South Africa reached $88.2 million in 2024 (26.7 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 10% 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 | $88.2M | 26.7K t |
| 2023 | $80.4M | 22.5K t |
| 2022 | $80.0M | 22.8K t |
| 2021 | $75.3M | 19.6K t |
| 2020 | $58.3M | 18.3K t |
| 2019 | $62.3M | 18.8K t |
| 2018 | $60.4M | 16.5K t |
| 2017 | $52.6M | 15.4K t |
Where South Africa imports glue from
The largest suppliers were China (24%), Germany (19%), Egypt (8%). Among the main suppliers, Turkey grew fastest (+42% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $21.3M | 24% |
| Germany | $16.9M | 19% |
| Egypt | $6.7M | 7.6% |
| United States | $5.3M | 6% |
| Italy | $4.7M | 5.4% |
| Turkey | $3.8M | 4.3% |
| France | $3.3M | 3.7% |
| Malaysia | $3.3M | 3.7% |
| United Kingdom | $3.0M | 3.4% |
| Netherlands | $2.3M | 2.6% |
Product types under HS 3506
| 3506.91 | Adhesives: prepared, based on polymers of heading 3901 to 3913 or on rubber | 59% |
| 3506.10 | Glues or adhesives: prepared, products suitable for use as glues or adhesives, put up for retail sale as glues or adhesives, not exceeding a net… | 23% |
| 3506.99 | Glues and other adhesives: prepared, n.e.c. in heading no. 3506, not exceeding a net weight of 1kg | 18% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 3506.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $3.30 per kg, 22% below the world average of $4.24, 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.
Glue exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported glue worth $31.8 million (15.1 thousand tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Zimbabwe (20%), Namibia (18%), Botswana (10%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 48%.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $6.5M | 20% |
| Namibia | $5.6M | 18% |
| Botswana | $3.1M | 9.9% |
| Zambia | $3.0M | 9.3% |
| Mozambique | $2.0M | 6.2% |
| Lesotho | $1.6M | 4.9% |
| Eswatini | $1.3M | 4.2% |
| United Kingdom | $860K | 2.7% |
| Malawi | $836K | 2.6% |
| Nigeria | $698K | 2.2% |
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 3506: Prepared glues and other prepared adhesives, n.e.c. or included; products suitable for use as glues or adhesives, put up for retail sale as glues or adhesives, not exceeding 1kg net weight.
Common questions
What is the value of glue imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported glue worth $88.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 26.7 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 38th of 225 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 10% on 2023.
Which countries supply glue to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 24% of the value ($21.3 million), followed by Germany (19%) and Egypt (8%). The top three together account for 51%, out of 77 supplier countries in total. Turkey grew fastest among the top ten, up 42% on the year.
What is the average import price of glue per kg?
The average declared import value was about $3.30 per kg in 2024, 22% below the world average of $4.24 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 glue to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $52.6 million in 2017 to $88.2 million in 2024, an increase of 68%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export glue?
Yes. South Africa exported $31.8 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zimbabwe, Namibia and Botswana. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $56.4 million a year.
What is the HS code for glue?
The HS code for glue is heading 3506. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 3506.91 (59% of the value) and 3506.10 (23%). It sits in HS chapter 35 (albuminoidal substances; modified starches; glues; enzymes). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3506 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.
More trade data for South Africa
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