Polyethylene imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported polyethylene worth $474.4 million (402.8 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value rose 32% on 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 | $474.4M | 402.8K t |
| 2023 | $360.4M | 303.5K t |
| 2022 | $565.8M | 380.9K t |
| 2021 | $437.1M | 331.9K t |
| 2020 | $251.6M | 256.2K t |
| 2019 | $309.0M | 269.2K t |
| 2018 | $435.9M | 335.0K t |
| 2017 | $378.2M | 300.6K t |
Where South Africa imports polyethylene from
The largest suppliers were Saudi Arabia (34%), United States (23%), China (7%). Among the main suppliers, United Arab Emirates grew fastest (+65% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia | $163.1M | 34% |
| United States | $108.2M | 23% |
| China | $32.7M | 6.9% |
| South Korea | $20.9M | 4.4% |
| United Arab Emirates | $19.0M | 4% |
| Germany | $17.3M | 3.7% |
| Thailand | $14.3M | 3% |
| Belgium | $11.9M | 2.5% |
| Qatar | $11.5M | 2.4% |
| Singapore | $10.8M | 2.3% |
Product types under HS 3901
| 3901.10 | Ethylene polymers: in primary forms, polyethylene having a specific gravity of less than 0.94 | 38% |
| 3901.20 | Ethylene polymers: in primary forms, polyethylene having a specific gravity of 0.94 or more | 37% |
| 3901.40 | Ethylene polymers: in primary forms, ethylene-alpha-olefin copolymers, having a specific gravity of less than 0.94 | 15% |
| 3901.90 | Ethylene polymers: in primary forms, n.e.c. in heading no. 3901 | 5.4% |
| 3901.30 | Ethylene polymers: in primary forms, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers | 4.4% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 3901.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.18 per kg, close to the world average of $1.22.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Polyethylene exports from South Africa
Exports of polyethylene by South Africa reached $179.6 million in 2024 (141.8 thousand tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Zimbabwe (24%), Zambia (22%), Botswana (11%). Among the main buyer markets, Nigeria grew fastest (+186% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $43.3M | 24% |
| Zambia | $38.7M | 22% |
| Botswana | $19.8M | 11% |
| Malawi | $16.4M | 9.1% |
| Namibia | $12.0M | 6.7% |
| Nigeria | $7.5M | 4.2% |
| Mozambique | $6.5M | 3.6% |
| Eswatini | $5.2M | 2.9% |
| DR Congo | $5.0M | 2.8% |
| Angola | $4.7M | 2.6% |
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 3901: Polymers of ethylene, in primary forms.
Common questions
What is the value of polyethylene imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported polyethylene worth $474.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 402.8 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 37th of 213 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 32% on 2023.
Which countries supply polyethylene to South Africa?
Saudi Arabia was the largest supplier with 34% of the value ($163.1 million), followed by the United States (23%) and China (7%). The top three together account for 64%, out of 57 supplier countries in total. The United Arab Emirates grew fastest among the top ten, up 65% on the year.
What is the average import price of polyethylene per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.18 per kg in 2024, close to the world average of $1.22 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 imports of polyethylene to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $378.2 million in 2017 to $474.4 million in 2024, an increase of 25%. The peak was 2022 at $565.8 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export polyethylene?
Yes. South Africa exported $179.6 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $294.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for polyethylene?
The HS code for polyethylene is heading 3901. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 3901.10 (38% of the value) and 3901.20 (37%). It sits in HS chapter 39 (plastics and articles thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3901 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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