Polyether resins imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported polyether resins worth $82.8 million (47.7 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 8% less than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2021, at $124.2 million.
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 | $82.8M | 47.7K t |
| 2023 | $90.2M | 48.2K t |
| 2022 | $104.4M | 43.2K t |
| 2021 | $124.2M | 53.9K t |
| 2020 | $67.4M | 40.0K t |
| 2019 | $85.8M | 59.5K t |
| 2018 | $101.3M | 49.9K t |
| 2017 | $81.5M | 43.7K t |
Where South Africa imports polyether resins from
Most of the value came from China (28%), United States (15%), Netherlands (11%). Among the main suppliers, Thailand grew fastest (+89% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $23.2M | 28% |
| United States | $12.2M | 15% |
| Netherlands | $8.8M | 11% |
| Germany | $7.5M | 9% |
| Saudi Arabia | $7.4M | 8.9% |
| Spain | $4.5M | 5.5% |
| Belgium | $4.1M | 5% |
| South Korea | $3.9M | 4.7% |
| Italy | $2.2M | 2.6% |
| Thailand | $1.3M | 1.6% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.73 per kg, close to the world average of $2.13.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Polyether resins exports from South Africa
Exports of polyether resins by South Africa reached $6.7 million in 2024 (3.1 thousand tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Zambia (26%), DR Congo (17%), Zimbabwe (17%). Among the main buyer markets, DR Congo grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zambia | $1.8M | 26% |
| DR Congo | $1.2M | 17% |
| Zimbabwe | $1.1M | 17% |
| Botswana | $512K | 7.6% |
| Eswatini | $502K | 7.5% |
| Namibia | $416K | 6.2% |
| Peru | $333K | 5% |
| Senegal | $236K | 3.5% |
| Malawi | $172K | 2.6% |
| Egypt | $93K | 1.4% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa polyether resins imports (HS 3907.20): 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 3907.20: Polyethers: in primary forms, excluding polyacetals.
Common questions
What is the value of polyether resins imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported polyether resins worth $82.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 47.7 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 37th of 194 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was down 8% on 2023.
Which countries supply polyether resins to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 28% of the value ($23.2 million), followed by the United States (15%) and the Netherlands (11%). The top three together account for 54%, out of 35 supplier countries in total. Thailand grew fastest among the top ten, up 89% on the year.
What is the average import price of polyether resins per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.73 per kg in 2024, 19% below the world average of $2.13 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of polyether resins to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $81.5 million in 2017 to $82.8 million in 2024, an increase of 2%. The peak was 2021 at $124.2 million. Over 8 years the average was $92.2 million a year.
Does South Africa also export polyether resins?
Yes. South Africa exported $6.7 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zambia, the DR Congo and Zimbabwe. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $76.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for polyether resins?
The HS code for polyether resins is subheading 3907.20. 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?
The totals here are public statistics; EximDataX adds the company names by reading partner countries' customs records for South Africa. Tell us your product to see it live.
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