Polycarbonate resin imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of polycarbonate resin by South Africa reached $20.1 million in 2024 (6.4 thousand tonnes). That is 5% 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 | $20.1M | 6.4K t |
| 2023 | $19.2M | 5.5K t |
| 2022 | $21.8M | 85.9K t |
| 2021 | $21.3M | 6.2K t |
| 2020 | $10.3M | 4.0K t |
| 2019 | $14.1M | 5.0K t |
| 2018 | $20.2M | 6.1K t |
| 2017 | $15.0M | 5.2K t |
Where South Africa imports polycarbonate resin from
Most of the value came from Germany (27%), China (19%), Netherlands (11%). Among the main suppliers, Saudi Arabia grew fastest (+133% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $5.5M | 27% |
| China | $3.7M | 19% |
| Netherlands | $2.2M | 11% |
| Italy | $2.2M | 11% |
| South Korea | $1.7M | 8.3% |
| Saudi Arabia | $1.5M | 7.3% |
| Taiwan | $1.1M | 5.6% |
| Thailand | $852K | 4.2% |
| Spain | $390K | 1.9% |
| Belgium | $319K | 1.6% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $3.16 per kg, close to the world average of $2.66.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Polycarbonate resin exports from South Africa
Exports of polycarbonate resin by South Africa reached $648 thousand in 2024 (279 tonnes). One buyer market dominates: Malaysia accounted for 73% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, Malaysia grew fastest (+894% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Malaysia | $474K | 73% |
| Namibia | $42K | 6.4% |
| Zimbabwe | $22K | 3.5% |
| United States | $17K | 2.6% |
| DR Congo | $17K | 2.5% |
| India | $14K | 2.2% |
| Eswatini | $14K | 2.1% |
| Botswana | $13K | 2% |
| United Arab Emirates | $10K | 1.5% |
| Lesotho | $8K | 1.2% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa polycarbonate resin imports (HS 3907.40): 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 3907.40: Polycarbonates: in primary forms.
Common questions
What is the value of polycarbonate resin imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported polycarbonate resin worth $20.1 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 6.4 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 46th of 171 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 5% on 2023.
Which countries supply polycarbonate resin to South Africa?
Germany was the largest supplier with 27% of the value ($5.5 million), followed by China (19%) and the Netherlands (11%). The top three together account for 57%, out of 29 supplier countries in total. Saudi Arabia grew fastest among the top ten, up 133% on the year.
What is the average import price of polycarbonate resin per kg?
The average declared import value was about $3.16 per kg in 2024, 19% above the world average of $2.66 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of polycarbonate resin to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $15.0 million in 2017 to $20.1 million in 2024, an increase of 34%. The peak was 2022 at $21.8 million. Over 8 years the average was $17.8 million a year.
Does South Africa also export polycarbonate resin?
Yes. South Africa exported $648 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Malaysia, Namibia and Zimbabwe. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $19.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for polycarbonate resin?
The HS code for polycarbonate resin is subheading 3907.40. It sits in HS chapter 39 (plastics and articles thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3907 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, so the companies shipping to and from it are visible. Ask for a live look at your product.
Same product, other countries
World polycarbonate resin trade: top importers and exporters
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