Polyethylene bags exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, South Africa exported polyethylene bags worth $34.8 million (41.5 thousand tonnes). That is 5% less than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2022, at $53.9 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 | $34.8M | 41.5K t |
| 2023 | $36.7M | 14.0K t |
| 2022 | $53.9M | 18.0K t |
| 2021 | $45.6M | 16.8K t |
| 2020 | $38.9M | 15.3K t |
| 2019 | $35.7M | 12.8K t |
| 2018 | $29.9M | 10.2K t |
| 2017 | $30.7M | 10.2K t |
Where South Africa exports polyethylene bags to
The largest buyer markets were United States (18%), Eswatini (16%), Namibia (15%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 49%. Among the main buyer markets, Netherlands grew fastest (+87% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $6.3M | 18% |
| Eswatini | $5.6M | 16% |
| Namibia | $5.3M | 15% |
| Botswana | $3.2M | 9.3% |
| Netherlands | $2.6M | 7.3% |
| Zimbabwe | $2.3M | 6.7% |
| Mozambique | $2.3M | 6.5% |
| Lesotho | $1.7M | 4.9% |
| Zambia | $1.6M | 4.7% |
| Australia | $1.1M | 3% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.84 per kg, 71% below the world average of $2.93, 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.
Polyethylene bags imports to South Africa
Imports of polyethylene bags by South Africa reached $34.8 million in 2024 (8.5 thousand tonnes). Most of the value came from China (37%), Mauritius (11%), Eswatini (6%). Among the main suppliers, United Arab Emirates grew fastest (+312% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $12.8M | 37% |
| Mauritius | $4.0M | 12% |
| Eswatini | $2.0M | 5.8% |
| Turkey | $1.9M | 5.5% |
| United Kingdom | $1.3M | 3.7% |
| United Arab Emirates | $1.3M | 3.6% |
| Namibia | $1.3M | 3.6% |
| Netherlands | $1.0M | 2.9% |
| Thailand | $965K | 2.8% |
| Israel | $895K | 2.6% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa polyethylene bags exports (HS 3923.21): 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 3923.21: Ethylene polymers: sacks and bags (including cones), for the conveyance or packing of goods.
Common questions
What is the value of polyethylene bags exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported polyethylene bags worth $34.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 41.5 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 44th of 176 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was down 5% on 2023.
Which countries buy polyethylene bags from South Africa?
The United States was the largest buyer with 18% of the value ($6.3 million), followed by Eswatini (16%) and Namibia (15%). The top three together account for 49%, out of 72 buyer countries in total. The Netherlands grew fastest among the top ten, up 87% on the year.
What is the average export price of polyethylene bags per kg?
The average declared export value was about $0.84 per kg in 2024, 71% below the world average of $2.93 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have exports of polyethylene bags from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $30.7 million in 2017 to $34.8 million in 2024, an increase of 13%. The peak was 2022 at $53.9 million. Over 8 years the average was $38.3 million a year.
Does South Africa also import polyethylene bags?
Yes. South Africa imported $34.8 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from China, Mauritius and Eswatini. That compares with exports of $34.8 million in the same year.
What is the HS code for polyethylene bags?
The HS code for polyethylene bags is subheading 3923.21. 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?
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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