Plastic tableware imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of plastic tableware by South Africa reached $74.1 million in 2024 (12.2 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value rose 98% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 11% a year on average.
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 | $74.1M | 12.2K t |
| 2023 | $37.4M | 7.7K t |
| 2022 | $39.0M | 7.0K t |
| 2021 | $40.0M | 6.5K t |
| 2020 | $30.7M | 5.8K t |
| 2019 | $38.5M | 7.8K t |
| 2018 | $38.7M | 7.4K t |
| 2017 | $36.5M | 6.7K t |
Where South Africa imports plastic tableware from
One supplier dominates: China accounted for 86% of the value. Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+130% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $63.5M | 86% |
| Indonesia | $1.8M | 2.4% |
| Turkey | $1.7M | 2.3% |
| Thailand | $1.4M | 1.9% |
| Taiwan | $838K | 1.1% |
| Germany | $513K | 0.7% |
| Netherlands | $468K | 0.6% |
| Malaysia | $409K | 0.6% |
| New Zealand | $350K | 0.5% |
| India | $332K | 0.5% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $6.10 per kg, 35% above the world average of $4.52. This usually points to higher-grade or processed goods.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Plastic tableware exports from South Africa
Exports of plastic tableware by South Africa reached $21.9 million in 2024 (11.1 thousand tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Botswana (31%), Namibia (18%), Eswatini (11%). Among the main buyer markets, Malawi grew fastest (+36% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Botswana | $6.9M | 31% |
| Namibia | $3.9M | 18% |
| Eswatini | $2.4M | 11% |
| Mozambique | $1.2M | 5.5% |
| China | $1.2M | 5.3% |
| Lesotho | $1.1M | 5.3% |
| Zimbabwe | $933K | 4.3% |
| Zambia | $825K | 3.8% |
| United Kingdom | $684K | 3.1% |
| Malawi | $423K | 1.9% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa plastic tableware imports (HS 3924.10): 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 3924.10: Plastics: tableware and kitchenware.
Common questions
What is the value of plastic tableware imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported plastic tableware worth $74.1 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 12.2 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 34th of 224 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 98% on 2023.
Which countries supply plastic tableware to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 86% of the value ($63.5 million), followed by Indonesia (2%) and Turkey (2%). The top three together account for 90%, out of 83 supplier countries in total. China grew fastest among the top ten, up 130% on the year.
What is the average import price of plastic tableware per kg?
The average declared import value was about $6.10 per kg in 2024, 35% above the world average of $4.52 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 tableware to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $36.5 million in 2017 to $74.1 million in 2024, an increase of 103%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $41.9 million a year.
Does South Africa also export plastic tableware?
Yes. South Africa exported $21.9 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Botswana, Namibia and Eswatini. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $52.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for plastic tableware?
The HS code for plastic tableware is subheading 3924.10. It sits in HS chapter 39 (plastics and articles thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3924 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
More trade data for South Africa
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