Plastic sanitary ware exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, South Africa exported plastic sanitary ware worth $24.6 million (5.8 thousand tonnes). Value fell 22% from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2023, at $31.4 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 | $24.6M | 5.8K t |
| 2023 | $31.4M | 5.1K t |
| 2022 | $24.5M | 5.9K t |
| 2021 | $24.3M | 5.6K t |
| 2020 | $18.2M | 4.5K t |
| 2019 | $18.5M | 4.7K t |
| 2018 | $19.7M | 4.6K t |
| 2017 | $20.5M | 6.2K t |
Where South Africa exports plastic sanitary ware to
Most of it went to United States (19%), United Kingdom (13%), France (12%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 44%. Among the main buyer markets, Eswatini grew fastest (+37% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $4.7M | 19% |
| United Kingdom | $3.1M | 13% |
| France | $3.0M | 12% |
| Zimbabwe | $2.7M | 11% |
| Namibia | $2.0M | 8.2% |
| Botswana | $2.0M | 8.1% |
| Australia | $1.1M | 4.6% |
| Zambia | $990K | 4% |
| Eswatini | $801K | 3.3% |
| Canada | $608K | 2.5% |
Product types under HS 3922
| 3922.10 | Plastics: baths, shower-baths, sinks and wash-basins | 68% |
| 3922.90 | Plastics: bidets, lavatory pans, flushing cisterns and similar sanitary ware n.e.c. in heading no. 3922 | 26% |
| 3922.20 | Plastics: lavatory seats and covers | 6.6% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 3922.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $4.24 per kg, 33% below the world average of $6.34, 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 sanitary ware imports to South Africa
In 2024, South Africa imported plastic sanitary ware worth $14.5 million (3.6 thousand tonnes). The largest suppliers were China (41%), Germany (27%), Egypt (5%). Among the main suppliers, Slovakia grew fastest (+82% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $6.0M | 41% |
| Germany | $3.9M | 27% |
| Egypt | $689K | 4.8% |
| Slovakia | $677K | 4.7% |
| Italy | $663K | 4.6% |
| United Kingdom | $487K | 3.4% |
| Portugal | $302K | 2.1% |
| Turkey | $279K | 1.9% |
| India | $183K | 1.3% |
| Netherlands | $177K | 1.2% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
Public statistics stop at country totals and the last published year. EximDataX shows the shipment records underneath: the companies, dates, quantities and declared values, updated weekly.
Shipment records are in the platform
Tell us what you trade and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
Mirror data: built from the shipment records of the countries that trade with it.
Updated weekly on EximDataX (some markets daily), while public statistics stop at 2024.
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 3922: Sanitary ware; baths, shower-baths, sinks, wash-basins, bidets, lavatory pans, seats and covers, flushing cisterns and sanitary ware, of plastics.
Common questions
What is the value of plastic sanitary ware exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported plastic sanitary ware worth $24.6 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 5.8 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 32nd of 179 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was down 22% on 2023.
Which countries buy plastic sanitary ware from South Africa?
The United States was the largest buyer with 19% of the value ($4.7 million), followed by the United Kingdom (13%) and France (12%). The top three together account for 44%, out of 92 buyer countries in total. Eswatini grew fastest among the top ten, up 37% on the year.
What is the average export price of plastic sanitary ware per kg?
The average declared export value was about $4.24 per kg in 2024, 33% below the world average of $6.34 per kg. It is total declared value divided by total weight, so it blends every grade and size; use it as a benchmark, not a quote. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
How have exports of plastic sanitary ware from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $20.5 million in 2017 to $24.6 million in 2024, an increase of 20%. The peak was 2023 at $31.4 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import plastic sanitary ware?
Yes. South Africa imported $14.5 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from China, Germany and Egypt. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $10.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for plastic sanitary ware?
The HS code for plastic sanitary ware is heading 3922. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 3922.10 (68% of the value) and 3922.90 (26%). It sits in HS chapter 39 (plastics and articles thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3922 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
Public statistics stop at country totals. EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, updated weekly, so you can see the companies that ship to and from it. Tell us your product and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
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