Natural rubber (other forms) imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported natural rubber (other forms) worth $7.0 million (2.1 thousand tonnes). Value fell 10% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 12% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2017, at $16.7 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 | $7.0M | 2.1K t |
| 2023 | $7.7M | 2.6K t |
| 2022 | $7.0M | 3.2K t |
| 2021 | $8.7M | 4.7K t |
| 2020 | $5.3M | 3.2K t |
| 2019 | $4.8M | 2.7K t |
| 2018 | $5.3M | 3.1K t |
| 2017 | $16.7M | 8.9K t |
Where South Africa imports natural rubber (other forms) from
Malawi alone supplied 60% of it. Among the main suppliers, Vietnam grew fastest (+89% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Malawi | $4.2M | 60% |
| Sri Lanka | $1.4M | 20% |
| Vietnam | $838K | 12% |
| Ghana | $161K | 2.3% |
| Zimbabwe | $92K | 1.3% |
| Cameroon | $78K | 1.1% |
| Thailand | $56K | 0.8% |
| China | $34K | 0.5% |
| Singapore | $30K | 0.4% |
| Malaysia | $17K | 0.2% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $3.28 per kg, 113% above the world average of $1.54. This usually points to higher-grade or processed goods.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Natural rubber (other forms) exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $1.7 million of natural rubber (other forms) in 2024 (1.6 thousand tonnes). One buyer market dominates: Malaysia accounted for 86% of the value.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Malaysia | $1.4M | 86% |
| Burkina Faso | $70K | 4.2% |
| Australia | $45K | 2.7% |
| Zimbabwe | $33K | 2% |
| Zambia | $26K | 1.6% |
| Eswatini | $13K | 0.8% |
| Botswana | $12K | 0.7% |
| Namibia | $6K | 0.4% |
| Mozambique | $5K | 0.3% |
| Lesotho | $4K | 0.3% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa natural rubber (other forms) imports (HS 4001.29): 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 4001.29: Rubber: natural (excluding latex, technically specified natural rubber and smoked sheets), in primary forms or in plates, sheets or strip.
Common questions
What is the value of natural rubber (other forms) imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported natural rubber (other forms) worth $7.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 2.1 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 15th of 165 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 10% on 2023.
Which countries supply natural rubber (other forms) to South Africa?
Malawi was the largest supplier with 60% of the value ($4.2 million), followed by Sri Lanka (20%) and Vietnam (12%). The top three together account for 93%, out of 28 supplier countries in total. Thailand grew fastest among the top ten, up 388% on the year.
What is the average import price of natural rubber (other forms) per kg?
The average declared import value was about $3.28 per kg in 2024, 113% above the world average of $1.54 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of natural rubber (other forms) to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $16.7 million in 2017 to $7.0 million in 2024, a fall of 58%. The peak was 2017 at $16.7 million. Over 8 years the average was $7.8 million a year.
Does South Africa also export natural rubber (other forms)?
Yes. South Africa exported $1.7 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Malaysia, Burkina Faso and Australia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $5.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for natural rubber (other forms)?
The HS code for natural rubber (other forms) is subheading 4001.29. It sits in HS chapter 40 (rubber and articles thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 4001 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
The totals here are public statistics; EximDataX adds the company names by reading partner countries' customs records for South Africa. Tell us your product to see it live.
Same product, other countries
World natural rubber (other forms) trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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