Plastic film and sheet (other) imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported plastic film and sheet (other) worth $14.4 million (3.7 thousand tonnes). That is 13% more than in 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 | $14.4M | 3.7K t |
| 2023 | $12.7M | 2.8K t |
| 2022 | $12.6M | 3.8K t |
| 2021 | $12.0M | 3.3K t |
| 2020 | $10.6M | 3.8K t |
| 2019 | $11.7M | 3.3K t |
| 2018 | $13.1M | 4.0K t |
| 2017 | $17.9M | 4.1K t |
Where South Africa imports plastic film and sheet (other) from
Most of the value came from China (28%), France (11%), Germany (11%). Trade is spread widely: the top three suppliers together make up only 50%. Among the main suppliers, Italy grew fastest (+500% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $4.0M | 28% |
| France | $1.6M | 11% |
| Germany | $1.5M | 11% |
| India | $1.0M | 7% |
| United States | $894K | 6.2% |
| Israel | $799K | 5.6% |
| Thailand | $727K | 5.1% |
| Italy | $640K | 4.5% |
| Poland | $613K | 4.3% |
| United Kingdom | $415K | 2.9% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $3.85 per kg, 67% below the world average of $11.58, 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 film and sheet (other) exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported plastic film and sheet (other) worth $9.9 million (3.5 thousand tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Botswana (18%), Eswatini (14%), Zimbabwe (14%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 45%. Among the main buyer markets, Eswatini grew fastest (+58% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Botswana | $1.8M | 18% |
| Eswatini | $1.4M | 14% |
| Zimbabwe | $1.3M | 14% |
| Zambia | $1.2M | 12% |
| Namibia | $1.2M | 12% |
| Mozambique | $1.1M | 11% |
| DR Congo | $471K | 4.8% |
| Australia | $407K | 4.1% |
| Lesotho | $290K | 2.9% |
| Seychelles | $253K | 2.6% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa plastic film and sheet (other) imports (HS 3920.99): 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 3920.99: Plastics: plates, sheets, film, foil and strip (not self-adhesive), of plastics n.e.c. in heading no. 3920, non-cellular and not reinforced, laminated, supported or similarly combined with other materials.
Common questions
What is the value of plastic film and sheet (other) imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported plastic film and sheet (other) worth $14.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 3.7 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 47th of 218 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 13% on 2023.
Which countries supply plastic film and sheet (other) to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 28% of the value ($4.0 million), followed by France (11%) and Germany (11%). The top three together account for 50%, out of 59 supplier countries in total. Italy grew fastest among the top ten, up 500% on the year.
What is the average import price of plastic film and sheet (other) per kg?
The average declared import value was about $3.85 per kg in 2024, 67% below the world average of $11.58 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of plastic film and sheet (other) to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $17.9 million in 2017 to $14.4 million in 2024, a fall of 20%. The peak was 2017 at $17.9 million. Over 8 years the average was $13.1 million a year.
Does South Africa also export plastic film and sheet (other)?
Yes. South Africa exported $9.9 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Botswana, Eswatini and Zimbabwe. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $4.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for plastic film and sheet (other)?
The HS code for plastic film and sheet (other) is subheading 3920.99. It sits in HS chapter 39 (plastics and articles thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3920 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 film and sheet (other) trade: top importers and exporters
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