Nylon imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported nylon worth $35.1 million (12.1 thousand tonnes). The value was almost unchanged from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2021, at $44.6 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 | $35.1M | 12.1K t |
| 2023 | $34.5M | 10.1K t |
| 2022 | $37.1M | 9.5K t |
| 2021 | $44.6M | 13.4K t |
| 2020 | $25.3M | 9.7K t |
| 2019 | $36.5M | 11.9K t |
| 2018 | $35.4M | 11.6K t |
| 2017 | $35.1M | 12.7K t |
Where South Africa imports nylon from
Most of the value came from China (21%), Germany (20%), United States (9%). Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+107% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $7.4M | 21% |
| Germany | $7.1M | 20% |
| United States | $3.3M | 9.4% |
| Taiwan | $3.2M | 9.2% |
| India | $2.4M | 6.8% |
| Belgium | $2.3M | 6.6% |
| Italy | $1.9M | 5.5% |
| Spain | $1.6M | 4.5% |
| Turkey | $1.5M | 4.2% |
| Netherlands | $1.2M | 3.5% |
Product types under HS 3908
| 3908.10 | Polyamides: polyamide-6, -11, -12, -6,6, -6,9, -6,10 or -6,12, in primary forms | 81% |
| 3908.90 | Polyamides: n.e.c. in heading no. 3908, in primary forms | 19% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 3908.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.92 per kg, close to the world average of $3.31.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Nylon exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported nylon worth $1.1 million (473 tonnes). Most of it went to Lesotho (23%), Australia (19%), Cote d'Ivoire (19%). Among the main buyer markets, Australia grew fastest (+839% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Lesotho | $244K | 23% |
| Australia | $207K | 20% |
| Cote d'Ivoire | $201K | 19% |
| Zimbabwe | $111K | 11% |
| Malaysia | $68K | 6.4% |
| Zambia | $42K | 4% |
| Morocco | $42K | 4% |
| Namibia | $32K | 3.1% |
| Kenya | $21K | 2% |
| Botswana | $15K | 1.4% |
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 3908: Polyamides in primary forms.
Common questions
What is the value of nylon imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported nylon worth $35.1 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 12.1 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 46th of 190 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 2% on 2023.
Which countries supply nylon to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 21% of the value ($7.4 million), followed by Germany (20%) and the United States (9%). The top three together account for 51%, out of 34 supplier countries in total. China grew fastest among the top ten, up 107% on the year.
What is the average import price of nylon per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.92 per kg in 2024, 12% below the world average of $3.31 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 nylon to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $35.1 million in 2017 to $35.1 million in 2024, an increase of 0%. The peak was 2021 at $44.6 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export nylon?
Yes. South Africa exported $1.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Lesotho, Australia and Cote d'Ivoire. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $34.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for nylon?
The HS code for nylon is heading 3908. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 3908.10 (81% of the value) and 3908.90 (19%). It sits in HS chapter 39 (plastics and articles thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3908 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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