Phenol-formaldehyde resins imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported phenol-formaldehyde resins worth $11.3 million (5.5 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is close to the 2023 level. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 10% a year on average.
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 | $11.3M | 5.5K t |
| 2023 | $11.3M | 4.9K t |
| 2022 | $12.3M | 5.3K t |
| 2021 | $9.8M | 3.5K t |
| 2020 | $5.1M | 1.7K t |
| 2019 | $7.3M | 2.4K t |
| 2018 | $8.6M | 2.8K t |
| 2017 | $5.9M | 2.3K t |
Where South Africa imports phenol-formaldehyde resins from
The largest suppliers were India (35%), China (21%), Germany (9%). Among the main suppliers, Taiwan grew fastest (+133% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $4.0M | 35% |
| China | $2.4M | 21% |
| Germany | $1.0M | 8.9% |
| Belgium | $751K | 6.7% |
| United States | $701K | 6.2% |
| United Kingdom | $445K | 4% |
| Taiwan | $422K | 3.8% |
| South Korea | $381K | 3.4% |
| Brazil | $299K | 2.7% |
| France | $296K | 2.6% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.04 per kg, close to the world average of $2.15.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Phenol-formaldehyde resins exports from South Africa
Exports of phenol-formaldehyde resins by South Africa reached $2.0 million in 2024 (684 tonnes). Most of it went to Indonesia (33%), Malawi (21%), Germany (13%). Among the main buyer markets, Angola grew fastest (+529% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Indonesia | $648K | 33% |
| Malawi | $414K | 21% |
| Germany | $264K | 13% |
| Zambia | $117K | 5.9% |
| Namibia | $71K | 3.6% |
| Botswana | $57K | 2.9% |
| Angola | $56K | 2.8% |
| Madagascar | $55K | 2.8% |
| China | $53K | 2.7% |
| Brazil | $45K | 2.3% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa phenol-formaldehyde resins imports (HS 3909.40): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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.
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 3909.40: Phenolic resins: in primary forms.
Common questions
What is the value of phenol-formaldehyde resins imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported phenol-formaldehyde resins worth $11.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 5.5 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 45th of 176 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was down 0% on 2023.
Which countries supply phenol-formaldehyde resins to South Africa?
India was the largest supplier with 35% of the value ($4.0 million), followed by China (21%) and Germany (9%). The top three together account for 65%, out of 23 supplier countries in total. Taiwan grew fastest among the top ten, up 133% on the year.
What is the average import price of phenol-formaldehyde resins per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.04 per kg in 2024, 5% below the world average of $2.15 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of phenol-formaldehyde resins to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $5.9 million in 2017 to $11.3 million in 2024, an increase of 92%. The peak was 2022 at $12.3 million. Over 8 years the average was $8.9 million a year.
Does South Africa also export phenol-formaldehyde resins?
Yes. South Africa exported $2.0 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Indonesia, Malawi and Germany. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $9.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for phenol-formaldehyde resins?
The HS code for phenol-formaldehyde resins is subheading 3909.40. It sits in HS chapter 39 (plastics and articles thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3909 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
For South Africa, EximDataX reads the shipment records of the countries that trade with it and shows the companies on both sides. We can walk you through your product on a short call.
Same product, other countries
World phenol-formaldehyde resins trade: top importers and exporters
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