Multi-purpose adhesive exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $17.5 million of multi-purpose adhesive in 2024 (7.2 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. That is 3% 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 .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $17.5M | 7.2K t |
| 2023 | $17.0M | 7.3K t |
| 2022 | $16.9M | 6.7K t |
| 2021 | $17.3M | 10.5K t |
| 2020 | $12.6M | 11.2K t |
| 2019 | $15.3M | 8.2K t |
| 2018 | $16.7M | 7.3K t |
| 2017 | $17.8M | 11.9K t |
Where South Africa exports multi-purpose adhesive to
Most of it went to Namibia (25%), Zimbabwe (21%), Botswana (15%). Among the main buyer markets, Botswana grew fastest (+39% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $4.4M | 25% |
| Zimbabwe | $3.7M | 21% |
| Botswana | $2.7M | 16% |
| Zambia | $1.8M | 10% |
| Eswatini | $832K | 4.7% |
| Mozambique | $792K | 4.5% |
| Lesotho | $775K | 4.4% |
| Malawi | $455K | 2.6% |
| DR Congo | $353K | 2% |
| Angola | $223K | 1.3% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.44 per kg, 22% below the world average of $3.14, 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.
Multi-purpose adhesive imports to South Africa
Imports of multi-purpose adhesive by South Africa reached $15.9 million in 2024 (6.8 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. One supplier dominates: China accounted for 51% of the value. Among the main suppliers, India grew fastest (+291% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $8.1M | 51% |
| United States | $1.6M | 9.8% |
| United Kingdom | $1.2M | 7.4% |
| Germany | $929K | 5.8% |
| Brazil | $602K | 3.8% |
| India | $487K | 3.1% |
| Portugal | $479K | 3% |
| Belgium | $360K | 2.3% |
| Taiwan | $346K | 2.2% |
| Turkey | $328K | 2.1% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa multi-purpose adhesive exports (HS 3506.99): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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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 3506.99: Glues and other adhesives: prepared, n.e.c. in heading no. 3506, not exceeding a net weight of 1kg.
Common questions
What is the value of multi-purpose adhesive exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported multi-purpose adhesive worth $17.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 7.2 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 19th of 177 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was up 3% on 2023.
Which countries buy multi-purpose adhesive from South Africa?
Namibia was the largest buyer with 25% of the value ($4.4 million), followed by Zimbabwe (21%) and Botswana (15%). The top three together account for 62%, out of 84 buyer countries in total. Botswana grew fastest among the top ten, up 39% on the year.
What is the average export price of multi-purpose adhesive per kg?
The average declared export value was about $2.44 per kg in 2024, 22% below the world average of $3.14 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of multi-purpose adhesive from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $17.8 million in 2017 to $17.5 million in 2024, a fall of 2%. The peak was 2017 at $17.8 million. Over 8 years the average was $16.4 million a year.
Does South Africa also import multi-purpose adhesive?
Yes. South Africa imported $15.9 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from China, the United States and the United Kingdom. That compares with exports of $17.5 million in the same year.
What is the HS code for multi-purpose adhesive?
The HS code for multi-purpose adhesive is subheading 3506.99. 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?
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 multi-purpose adhesive trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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