High-density polyethylene imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of high-density polyethylene by South Africa reached $174.0 million in 2024 (152.3 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 16% 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 | $174.0M | 152.3K t |
| 2023 | $150.5M | 133.9K t |
| 2022 | $200.7M | 139.8K t |
| 2021 | $207.3M | 153.4K t |
| 2020 | $97.0M | 95.1K t |
| 2019 | $112.8M | 98.2K t |
| 2018 | $166.4M | 122.9K t |
| 2017 | $141.1M | 112.8K t |
Where South Africa imports high-density polyethylene from
Most of the value came from Saudi Arabia (33%), United States (26%), United Arab Emirates (8%). Among the main suppliers, United Arab Emirates grew fastest (+79% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia | $56.8M | 33% |
| United States | $45.8M | 26% |
| United Arab Emirates | $14.0M | 8% |
| Thailand | $10.4M | 6% |
| South Korea | $9.8M | 5.7% |
| Germany | $9.1M | 5.2% |
| Belgium | $5.8M | 3.3% |
| China | $5.2M | 3% |
| Qatar | $4.7M | 2.7% |
| India | $2.1M | 1.2% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.14 per kg, close to the world average of $1.13.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
High-density polyethylene exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $74.5 million of high-density polyethylene in 2024 (61.0 thousand tonnes). Most of it went to Zimbabwe (23%), Zambia (20%), Malawi (11%). Among the main buyer markets, Angola grew fastest (+254% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $16.8M | 23% |
| Zambia | $14.7M | 20% |
| Malawi | $7.8M | 11% |
| Nigeria | $6.6M | 8.9% |
| DR Congo | $4.1M | 5.6% |
| Botswana | $4.1M | 5.5% |
| Angola | $4.1M | 5.5% |
| Namibia | $3.6M | 4.8% |
| Cote d'Ivoire | $1.9M | 2.6% |
| Spain | $1.6M | 2.2% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa high-density polyethylene imports (HS 3901.20): 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 3901.20: Ethylene polymers: in primary forms, polyethylene having a specific gravity of 0.94 or more.
Common questions
What is the value of high-density polyethylene imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported high-density polyethylene worth $174.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 152.3 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 37th of 202 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 16% on 2023.
Which countries supply high-density polyethylene to South Africa?
Saudi Arabia was the largest supplier with 33% of the value ($56.8 million), followed by the United States (26%) and the United Arab Emirates (8%). The top three together account for 67%, out of 44 supplier countries in total. India grew fastest among the top ten, up 343% on the year.
What is the average import price of high-density polyethylene per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.14 per kg in 2024, close to the world average of $1.13 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of high-density polyethylene to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $141.1 million in 2017 to $174.0 million in 2024, an increase of 23%. The peak was 2021 at $207.3 million. Over 8 years the average was $156.2 million a year.
Does South Africa also export high-density polyethylene?
Yes. South Africa exported $74.5 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $99.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for high-density polyethylene?
The HS code for high-density polyethylene is subheading 3901.20. It sits in HS chapter 39 (plastics and articles thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3901 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 high-density polyethylene trade: top importers and exporters
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