Plastic caps and closures imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $61.1 million of plastic caps and closures in 2024 (11.7 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. The value was almost unchanged from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
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 | $61.1M | 11.7K t |
| 2023 | $59.6M | 10.1K t |
| 2022 | $56.4M | 9.9K t |
| 2021 | $52.6M | 9.3K t |
| 2020 | $51.1M | 9.9K t |
| 2019 | $49.9M | 9.7K t |
| 2018 | $50.9M | 10.0K t |
| 2017 | $43.3M | 7.9K t |
Where South Africa imports plastic caps and closures from
The largest suppliers were Spain (22%), Germany (17%), China (10%). Trade is spread widely: the top three suppliers together make up only 50%. Among the main suppliers, Switzerland grew fastest (+34% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Spain | $13.7M | 22% |
| Germany | $10.4M | 17% |
| China | $6.2M | 10% |
| Switzerland | $5.3M | 8.7% |
| Australia | $4.4M | 7.1% |
| Hungary | $2.6M | 4.3% |
| Italy | $2.4M | 4% |
| France | $2.1M | 3.5% |
| United Kingdom | $2.0M | 3.4% |
| United States | $1.9M | 3.2% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $5.21 per kg, close to the world average of $5.90.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Plastic caps and closures exports from South Africa
Exports of plastic caps and closures by South Africa reached $37.6 million in 2024 (20.4 thousand tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Zimbabwe (16%), United States (11%), Zambia (10%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 37%. Among the main buyer markets, Botswana grew fastest (+162% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $6.0M | 16% |
| United States | $4.2M | 11% |
| Zambia | $3.6M | 9.7% |
| Botswana | $3.1M | 8.2% |
| Namibia | $2.5M | 6.6% |
| Malawi | $1.7M | 4.6% |
| Sweden | $1.6M | 4.4% |
| Eswatini | $1.5M | 3.9% |
| Portugal | $1.3M | 3.6% |
| United Kingdom | $1.1M | 3.1% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa plastic caps and closures imports (HS 3923.50): 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 3923.50: Plastics: stoppers, lids, caps and other closures, for the conveyance or packing of goods.
Common questions
What is the value of plastic caps and closures imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported plastic caps and closures worth $61.1 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 11.7 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 37th of 222 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 3% on 2023.
Which countries supply plastic caps and closures to South Africa?
Spain was the largest supplier with 22% of the value ($13.7 million), followed by Germany (17%) and China (10%). The top three together account for 50%, out of 79 supplier countries in total. Switzerland grew fastest among the top ten, up 34% on the year.
What is the average import price of plastic caps and closures per kg?
The average declared import value was about $5.21 per kg in 2024, 12% below the world average of $5.90 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 caps and closures to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $43.3 million in 2017 to $61.1 million in 2024, an increase of 41%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $53.1 million a year.
Does South Africa also export plastic caps and closures?
Yes. South Africa exported $37.6 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zimbabwe, the United States and Zambia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $23.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for plastic caps and closures?
The HS code for plastic caps and closures is subheading 3923.50. 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 caps and closures trade: top importers and exporters
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