Polyethylene glycol wax imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported polyethylene glycol wax worth $3.0 million (2.1 thousand tonnes). That is 110% more than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2022, at $5.0 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 | $3.0M | 2.1K t |
| 2023 | $1.4M | 569 t |
| 2022 | $5.0M | 3.3K t |
| 2021 | $4.3M | 3.0K t |
| 2020 | $2.5M | 1.6K t |
| 2019 | $2.3M | 1.3K t |
| 2018 | $3.0M | 1.6K t |
| 2017 | $2.3M | 1.2K t |
Where South Africa imports polyethylene glycol wax from
One supplier dominates: South Korea accounted for 61% of the value. Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+403% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| South Korea | $1.8M | 61% |
| Germany | $753K | 25% |
| Belgium | $124K | 4.1% |
| China | $119K | 3.9% |
| India | $114K | 3.8% |
| France | $35K | 1.1% |
| Brazil | $21K | 0.7% |
| Mexico | $10K | 0.3% |
| United States | $2K | 0.1% |
| Netherlands | $2K | 0.1% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.44 per kg, close to the world average of $1.56.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Polyethylene glycol wax exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported polyethylene glycol wax worth $392 thousand (130 tonnes). Most of it went to Zimbabwe (32%), Cote d'Ivoire (32%), Namibia (9%). Among the main buyer markets, Cote d'Ivoire grew fastest (+160% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $126K | 32% |
| Cote d'Ivoire | $124K | 32% |
| Namibia | $35K | 8.9% |
| Ghana | $34K | 8.7% |
| Guinea | $16K | 4.1% |
| Lesotho | $10K | 2.5% |
| Tanzania | $9K | 2.3% |
| Senegal | $9K | 2.2% |
| United Arab Emirates | $6K | 1.6% |
| Zambia | $6K | 1.6% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa polyethylene glycol wax imports (HS 3404.20): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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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 3404.20: Waxes: artificial and prepared, of poly(oxyethylene) (polyethylene glycol).
Common questions
What is the value of polyethylene glycol wax imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported polyethylene glycol wax worth $3.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 2.1 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 29th of 162 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 110% on 2023.
Which countries supply polyethylene glycol wax to South Africa?
South Korea was the largest supplier with 61% of the value ($1.8 million), followed by Germany (25%) and Belgium (4%). The top three together account for 90%, out of 17 supplier countries in total. France grew fastest among the top ten, up 524% on the year.
What is the average import price of polyethylene glycol wax per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.44 per kg in 2024, 8% below the world average of $1.56 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of polyethylene glycol wax to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $2.3 million in 2017 to $3.0 million in 2024, an increase of 32%. The peak was 2022 at $5.0 million. Over 8 years the average was $3.0 million a year.
Does South Africa also export polyethylene glycol wax?
Yes. South Africa exported $392 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zimbabwe, Cote d'Ivoire and Namibia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $2.6 million a year.
What is the HS code for polyethylene glycol wax?
The HS code for polyethylene glycol wax is subheading 3404.20. It sits in HS chapter 34 (soap, organic surface-active agents; washing, lubricating, polishing or scouring preparations; artificial or prepared waxes, candles and similar articles, modelling pastes, dental waxes and dental preparations with a basis of plaster). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3404 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 polyethylene glycol wax trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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