Plastic bottles and carboys exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of plastic bottles and carboys by South Africa reached $38.5 million in 2024 (27.9 thousand tonnes). Value rose 30% on 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2018, at $49.8 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $38.5M | 27.9K t |
| 2023 | $29.7M | 15.1K t |
| 2022 | $48.2M | 17.4K t |
| 2021 | $35.3M | 17.8K t |
| 2020 | $27.0M | 16.5K t |
| 2019 | $35.1M | 20.8K t |
| 2018 | $49.8M | 22.7K t |
| 2017 | $36.4M | 27.4K t |
Where South Africa exports plastic bottles and carboys to
Most of it went to Namibia (22%), Zimbabwe (22%), Botswana (12%). Among the main buyer markets, Mozambique grew fastest (+95% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $8.6M | 23% |
| Zimbabwe | $8.3M | 22% |
| Botswana | $4.5M | 12% |
| Zambia | $3.9M | 10% |
| Mozambique | $3.5M | 9.1% |
| Eswatini | $2.6M | 6.8% |
| Lesotho | $1.7M | 4.5% |
| DR Congo | $1.5M | 3.8% |
| Malawi | $1.2M | 3% |
| France | $553K | 1.4% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.38 per kg, 64% below the world average of $3.80, 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.
Plastic bottles and carboys imports to South Africa
Imports of plastic bottles and carboys by South Africa reached $24.7 million in 2024 (10.5 thousand tonnes). The largest suppliers were China (37%), Mauritius (14%), Egypt (11%).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $9.1M | 37% |
| Mauritius | $3.6M | 15% |
| Egypt | $2.7M | 11% |
| South Korea | $2.3M | 9.4% |
| Bulgaria | $1.1M | 4.6% |
| Germany | $978K | 4% |
| India | $649K | 2.6% |
| United States | $646K | 2.6% |
| Botswana | $397K | 1.6% |
| France | $389K | 1.6% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa plastic bottles and carboys exports (HS 3923.30): 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 3923.30: Plastics: carboys, bottles, flasks and similar articles, for the conveyance or packing of goods.
Common questions
What is the value of plastic bottles and carboys exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported plastic bottles and carboys worth $38.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 27.9 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 46th of 197 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was up 30% on 2023.
Which countries buy plastic bottles and carboys from South Africa?
Namibia was the largest buyer with 22% of the value ($8.6 million), followed by Zimbabwe (22%) and Botswana (12%). The top three together account for 56%, out of 114 buyer countries in total. Mozambique grew fastest among the top ten, up 95% on the year.
What is the average export price of plastic bottles and carboys per kg?
The average declared export value was about $1.38 per kg in 2024, 64% below the world average of $3.80 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have exports of plastic bottles and carboys from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $36.4 million in 2017 to $38.5 million in 2024, an increase of 6%. The peak was 2018 at $49.8 million. Over 8 years the average was $37.5 million a year.
Does South Africa also import plastic bottles and carboys?
Yes. South Africa imported $24.7 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from China, Mauritius and Egypt. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $13.7 million a year.
What is the HS code for plastic bottles and carboys?
The HS code for plastic bottles and carboys is subheading 3923.30. 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?
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 plastic bottles and carboys trade: top importers and exporters
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