Plastic bags (other polymers) imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of plastic bags (other polymers) by South Africa reached $35.1 million in 2024 (10.0 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 3% more than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2022, at $53.4 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 | 10.0K t |
| 2023 | $33.9M | 9.1K t |
| 2022 | $53.4M | 9.7K t |
| 2021 | $44.3M | 9.2K t |
| 2020 | $30.1M | 8.9K t |
| 2019 | $28.3M | 7.9K t |
| 2018 | $25.4M | 5.6K t |
| 2017 | $28.6M | 7.4K t |
Where South Africa imports plastic bags (other polymers) from
The largest suppliers were China (34%), India (13%), Italy (11%). Among the main suppliers, Spain grew fastest (+49% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $11.8M | 34% |
| India | $4.7M | 13% |
| Italy | $3.9M | 11% |
| Israel | $2.8M | 8% |
| Lesotho | $2.1M | 5.9% |
| Botswana | $1.9M | 5.4% |
| France | $1.5M | 4.3% |
| Malaysia | $1.4M | 3.9% |
| Spain | $916K | 2.6% |
| United Kingdom | $660K | 1.9% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $3.49 per kg, close to the world average of $4.30.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Plastic bags (other polymers) exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported plastic bags (other polymers) worth $21.5 million (7.8 thousand tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Eswatini (18%), Namibia (17%), Botswana (11%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 46%. Among the main buyer markets, Italy grew fastest (+151% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Eswatini | $3.8M | 18% |
| Namibia | $3.7M | 17% |
| Botswana | $2.5M | 11% |
| Italy | $2.2M | 10% |
| Lesotho | $2.1M | 9.9% |
| Zambia | $2.1M | 9.6% |
| Mozambique | $1.8M | 8.3% |
| DR Congo | $1.0M | 4.8% |
| Zimbabwe | $338K | 1.6% |
| Malawi | $217K | 1% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa plastic bags (other polymers) imports (HS 3923.29): 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 3923.29: Plastics: sacks and bags (including cones), for the conveyance or packing of goods, of plastics other than ethylene polymers.
Common questions
What is the value of plastic bags (other polymers) imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported plastic bags (other polymers) worth $35.1 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 10.0 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 44th of 223 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 3% on 2023.
Which countries supply plastic bags (other polymers) to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 34% of the value ($11.8 million), followed by India (13%) and Italy (11%). The top three together account for 58%, out of 73 supplier countries in total. Spain grew fastest among the top ten, up 49% on the year.
What is the average import price of plastic bags (other polymers) per kg?
The average declared import value was about $3.49 per kg in 2024, 19% below the world average of $4.30 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of plastic bags (other polymers) to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $28.6 million in 2017 to $35.1 million in 2024, an increase of 23%. The peak was 2022 at $53.4 million. Over 8 years the average was $34.9 million a year.
Does South Africa also export plastic bags (other polymers)?
Yes. South Africa exported $21.5 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Eswatini, Namibia and Botswana. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $13.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for plastic bags (other polymers)?
The HS code for plastic bags (other polymers) is subheading 3923.29. It sits in HS chapter 39 (plastics and articles thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3923 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 plastic bags (other polymers) trade: top importers and exporters
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