Plastic spools and bobbins exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $2.8 million of plastic spools and bobbins in 2024 (775 tonnes). That is 54% more than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2022, at $10.5 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 | $2.8M | 775 t |
| 2023 | $1.8M | 552 t |
| 2022 | $10.5M | 524 t |
| 2021 | $1.4M | 531 t |
| 2020 | $1.4M | 490 t |
| 2019 | $3.1M | 721 t |
| 2018 | $3.2M | 759 t |
| 2017 | $2.0M | 628 t |
Where South Africa exports plastic spools and bobbins to
The largest buyer markets were Germany (39%), Portugal (13%), Namibia (13%). Among the main buyer markets, DR Congo grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $1.1M | 39% |
| Portugal | $369K | 13% |
| Namibia | $350K | 13% |
| DR Congo | $285K | 10% |
| Peru | $115K | 4.2% |
| Botswana | $102K | 3.7% |
| United States | $81K | 2.9% |
| Zimbabwe | $71K | 2.6% |
| Netherlands | $61K | 2.2% |
| Mozambique | $44K | 1.6% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $3.58 per kg, 21% below the world average of $4.53, 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 spools and bobbins imports to South Africa
In 2024, South Africa imported plastic spools and bobbins worth $1.3 million (222 tonnes). The largest suppliers were Canada (19%), Germany (16%), China (15%). Trade is spread widely: the top three suppliers together make up only 50%. Among the main suppliers, Hungary grew fastest (+545% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Canada | $250K | 19% |
| Germany | $206K | 16% |
| China | $197K | 15% |
| Portugal | $191K | 15% |
| Poland | $146K | 11% |
| Australia | $75K | 5.7% |
| France | $58K | 4.4% |
| Hungary | $31K | 2.4% |
| Turkey | $30K | 2.3% |
| Thailand | $25K | 1.9% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa plastic spools and bobbins exports (HS 3923.40): 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 3923.40: Plastics: spools, cops, bobbins and similar supports, for the conveyance or packing of goods.
Common questions
What is the value of plastic spools and bobbins exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported plastic spools and bobbins worth $2.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 775 tonnes. That ranks it 39th of 129 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was up 54% on 2023.
Which countries buy plastic spools and bobbins from South Africa?
Germany was the largest buyer with 39% of the value ($1.1 million), followed by Portugal (13%) and Namibia (13%). The top three together account for 65%, out of 43 buyer countries in total. Mozambique grew fastest among the top ten, up 445% on the year.
What is the average export price of plastic spools and bobbins per kg?
The average declared export value was about $3.58 per kg in 2024, 21% below the world average of $4.53 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have exports of plastic spools and bobbins from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $2.0 million in 2017 to $2.8 million in 2024, an increase of 41%. The peak was 2022 at $10.5 million. Over 8 years the average was $3.3 million a year.
Does South Africa also import plastic spools and bobbins?
Yes. South Africa imported $1.3 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Canada, Germany and China. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $1.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for plastic spools and bobbins?
The HS code for plastic spools and bobbins is subheading 3923.40. 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 spools and bobbins trade: top importers and exporters
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