Non-cellular plastic film imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $114.4 million of non-cellular plastic film in 2024 (59.5 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value rose 4% on 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 | $114.4M | 59.5K t |
| 2023 | $110.2M | 54.1K t |
| 2022 | $116.4M | 34.4K t |
| 2021 | $114.7M | 31.5K t |
| 2020 | $87.1M | 28.0K t |
| 2019 | $103.2M | 31.9K t |
| 2018 | $98.0M | 30.1K t |
| 2017 | $91.1M | 27.9K t |
Where South Africa imports non-cellular plastic film from
Most of the value came from China (30%), India (29%), Germany (6%). Among the main suppliers, Greece grew fastest (+183% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $34.4M | 30% |
| India | $32.9M | 29% |
| Germany | $6.8M | 5.9% |
| Italy | $5.4M | 4.7% |
| Malaysia | $4.8M | 4.2% |
| Turkey | $4.3M | 3.7% |
| Belgium | $3.2M | 2.8% |
| Greece | $2.8M | 2.4% |
| Mauritius | $2.4M | 2.1% |
| United Arab Emirates | $2.0M | 1.8% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.92 per kg, 59% below the world average of $4.63, 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.
Non-cellular plastic film exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported non-cellular plastic film worth $26.8 million (11.8 thousand tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Zimbabwe (20%), Namibia (16%), Mozambique (12%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 49%. Among the main buyer markets, Mozambique grew fastest (+45% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $5.4M | 20% |
| Namibia | $4.4M | 17% |
| Mozambique | $3.2M | 12% |
| United States | $2.1M | 8% |
| Malawi | $2.1M | 8% |
| Lesotho | $2.1M | 7.7% |
| Botswana | $2.0M | 7.4% |
| Eswatini | $1.1M | 4.3% |
| Zambia | $645K | 2.4% |
| United Kingdom | $466K | 1.7% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa non-cellular plastic film imports (HS 3921.90): 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 3921.90: Plastics: plates, sheets, film, foil and strip, other than cellular.
Common questions
What is the value of non-cellular plastic film imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported non-cellular plastic film worth $114.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 59.5 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 40th of 223 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 4% on 2023.
Which countries supply non-cellular plastic film to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 30% of the value ($34.4 million), followed by India (29%) and Germany (6%). The top three together account for 65%, out of 66 supplier countries in total. Greece grew fastest among the top ten, up 183% on the year.
What is the average import price of non-cellular plastic film per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.92 per kg in 2024, 59% below the world average of $4.63 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of non-cellular plastic film to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $91.1 million in 2017 to $114.4 million in 2024, an increase of 26%. The peak was 2022 at $116.4 million. Over 8 years the average was $104.4 million a year.
Does South Africa also export non-cellular plastic film?
Yes. South Africa exported $26.8 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zimbabwe, Namibia and Mozambique. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $87.6 million a year.
What is the HS code for non-cellular plastic film?
The HS code for non-cellular plastic film is subheading 3921.90. It sits in HS chapter 39 (plastics and articles thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3921 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 non-cellular plastic film trade: top importers and exporters
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