Plastic packing cases exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $42.3 million of plastic packing cases in 2024 (44.6 thousand tonnes). That is 34% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 9% a year on average.
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 | $42.3M | 44.6K t |
| 2023 | $31.7M | 56.5K t |
| 2022 | $26.8M | 21.7K t |
| 2021 | $24.3M | 13.2K t |
| 2020 | $15.5M | 7.9K t |
| 2019 | $22.9M | 10.1K t |
| 2018 | $24.9M | 11.1K t |
| 2017 | $23.3M | 9.9K t |
Where South Africa exports plastic packing cases to
The largest buyer markets were Mozambique (18%), Botswana (14%), Namibia (13%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 45%. Among the main buyer markets, Lesotho grew fastest (+116% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Mozambique | $7.7M | 18% |
| Botswana | $5.8M | 14% |
| Namibia | $5.6M | 13% |
| Zimbabwe | $5.5M | 13% |
| Zambia | $4.2M | 10% |
| Lesotho | $3.2M | 7.5% |
| Eswatini | $2.5M | 5.9% |
| Germany | $1.9M | 4.5% |
| Malawi | $775K | 1.8% |
| Mauritius | $554K | 1.3% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.95 per kg, 74% below the world average of $3.67, 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 packing cases imports to South Africa
In 2024, South Africa imported plastic packing cases worth $34.0 million (9.0 thousand tonnes). The largest suppliers were China (25%), Italy (17%), Germany (11%). Among the main suppliers, United Kingdom grew fastest (+203% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $8.4M | 25% |
| Italy | $5.8M | 17% |
| Germany | $3.9M | 11% |
| Poland | $3.1M | 9.1% |
| United Kingdom | $3.0M | 8.9% |
| Lesotho | $2.5M | 7.3% |
| France | $1.3M | 3.7% |
| Spain | $1.2M | 3.4% |
| United States | $716K | 2.1% |
| Eswatini | $525K | 1.5% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa plastic packing cases exports (HS 3923.10): 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 3923.10: Plastics: boxes, cases, crates and similar articles for the conveyance or packing of goods.
Common questions
What is the value of plastic packing cases exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported plastic packing cases worth $42.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 44.6 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 38th of 197 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was up 34% on 2023.
Which countries buy plastic packing cases from South Africa?
Mozambique was the largest buyer with 18% of the value ($7.7 million), followed by Botswana (14%) and Namibia (13%). The top three together account for 45%, out of 99 buyer countries in total. Lesotho grew fastest among the top ten, up 116% on the year.
What is the average export price of plastic packing cases per kg?
The average declared export value was about $0.95 per kg in 2024, 74% below the world average of $3.67 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 packing cases from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $23.3 million in 2017 to $42.3 million in 2024, an increase of 81%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $26.5 million a year.
Does South Africa also import plastic packing cases?
Yes. South Africa imported $34.0 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from China, Italy and Germany. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $8.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for plastic packing cases?
The HS code for plastic packing cases is subheading 3923.10. 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 packing cases trade: top importers and exporters
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