Modeling paste imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $3.1 million of modeling paste in 2024 (1.1 thousand tonnes). That is 23% less than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2022, at $5.1 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 | $3.1M | 1.1K t |
| 2023 | $4.0M | 675 t |
| 2022 | $5.1M | 869 t |
| 2021 | $3.9M | 684 t |
| 2020 | $2.7M | 1.1K t |
| 2019 | $2.7M | 865 t |
| 2018 | $4.1M | 672 t |
| 2017 | $2.6M | 777 t |
Where South Africa imports modeling paste from
Most of the value came from China (44%), Germany (23%), Italy (10%). Among the main suppliers, Italy grew fastest (+72% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $1.4M | 44% |
| Germany | $728K | 23% |
| Italy | $300K | 9.6% |
| Netherlands | $210K | 6.8% |
| United Kingdom | $184K | 5.9% |
| United States | $99K | 3.2% |
| Spain | $80K | 2.6% |
| Japan | $42K | 1.3% |
| Slovenia | $24K | 0.8% |
| Belgium | $20K | 0.6% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.83 per kg, 50% below the world average of $5.63, 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.
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 3407: Modelling pastes, including those for children; dental wax, impression compounds, in sets or packings for retail sale or in plates and similar forms; dentistry preparations with plaster base.
Common questions
What is the value of modeling paste imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported modeling paste worth $3.1 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.1 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 60th of 207 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 23% on 2023.
Which countries supply modeling paste to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 44% of the value ($1.4 million), followed by Germany (23%) and Italy (10%). The top three together account for 77%, out of 38 supplier countries in total. Italy grew fastest among the top ten, up 72% on the year.
What is the average import price of modeling paste per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.83 per kg in 2024, 50% below the world average of $5.63 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 modeling paste to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $2.6 million in 2017 to $3.1 million in 2024, an increase of 22%. The peak was 2022 at $5.1 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
What is the HS code for modeling paste?
The HS code for modeling paste is heading 3407. In South Africa all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 3407.00. It sits in HS chapter 34 (soap, organic surface-active agents; washing, lubricating, polishing or scouring preparations; artificial or prepared waxes, candles and similar articles, modelling pastes, dental waxes and dental preparations with a basis of plaster). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3407 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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