Plastic building materials (other) imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of plastic building materials (other) by South Africa reached $13.8 million in 2024 (13.5 thousand tonnes). That is 6% less than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2018, at $17.4 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 | $13.8M | 13.5K t |
| 2023 | $14.8M | 11.1K t |
| 2022 | $15.3M | 9.3K t |
| 2021 | $15.4M | 7.7K t |
| 2020 | $13.6M | 11.0K t |
| 2019 | $15.6M | 12.6K t |
| 2018 | $17.4M | 16.0K t |
| 2017 | $16.9M | 15.9K t |
Where South Africa imports plastic building materials (other) from
One supplier dominates: China accounted for 51% of the value. Among the main suppliers, Belgium grew fastest (+179% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $7.1M | 51% |
| Turkey | $1.2M | 8.4% |
| United Kingdom | $1.0M | 7.6% |
| Germany | $913K | 6.6% |
| Belgium | $654K | 4.7% |
| Italy | $461K | 3.3% |
| United States | $374K | 2.7% |
| India | $247K | 1.8% |
| France | $233K | 1.7% |
| Mexico | $208K | 1.5% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.03 per kg, 68% below the world average of $3.24, 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 building materials (other) exports from South Africa
Exports of plastic building materials (other) by South Africa reached $11.2 million in 2024 (4.0 thousand tonnes). Most of it went to Botswana (19%), Namibia (13%), Zimbabwe (12%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 44%. Among the main buyer markets, Seychelles grew fastest (+188% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Botswana | $2.2M | 20% |
| Namibia | $1.4M | 13% |
| Zimbabwe | $1.3M | 12% |
| Eswatini | $1.2M | 11% |
| Lesotho | $979K | 8.7% |
| Mozambique | $789K | 7% |
| DR Congo | $447K | 4% |
| Zambia | $405K | 3.6% |
| Malawi | $385K | 3.4% |
| Seychelles | $333K | 3% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa plastic building materials (other) imports (HS 3925.90): 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 3925.90: Plastics: builders' ware, n.e.c. or included in heading no. 3925.
Common questions
What is the value of plastic building materials (other) imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported plastic building materials (other) worth $13.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 13.5 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 80th of 225 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 6% on 2023.
Which countries supply plastic building materials (other) to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 51% of the value ($7.1 million), followed by Turkey (8%) and the United Kingdom (8%). The top three together account for 67%, out of 67 supplier countries in total. Belgium grew fastest among the top ten, up 179% on the year.
What is the average import price of plastic building materials (other) per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.03 per kg in 2024, 68% below the world average of $3.24 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of plastic building materials (other) to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $16.9 million in 2017 to $13.8 million in 2024, a fall of 18%. The peak was 2018 at $17.4 million. Over 8 years the average was $15.3 million a year.
Does South Africa also export plastic building materials (other)?
Yes. South Africa exported $11.2 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $2.6 million a year.
What is the HS code for plastic building materials (other)?
The HS code for plastic building materials (other) is subheading 3925.90. It sits in HS chapter 39 (plastics and articles thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3925 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 building materials (other) trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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