Polyethylene monofilament and rods imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $8.3 million of polyethylene monofilament and rods in 2024 (6.6 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 21% 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 | $8.3M | 6.6K t |
| 2023 | $6.9M | 5.2K t |
| 2022 | $6.9M | 5.0K t |
| 2021 | $7.2M | 5.1K t |
| 2020 | $4.9M | 3.5K t |
| 2019 | $6.8M | 4.8K t |
| 2018 | $6.4M | 4.4K t |
| 2017 | $6.8M | 4.7K t |
Where South Africa imports polyethylene monofilament and rods from
One supplier dominates: China accounted for 81% of the value. Among the main suppliers, United States grew fastest (+149% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $6.7M | 81% |
| United States | $926K | 11% |
| Germany | $212K | 2.6% |
| Belgium | $178K | 2.2% |
| India | $82K | 1% |
| Italy | $75K | 0.9% |
| Egypt | $54K | 0.7% |
| United Kingdom | $54K | 0.7% |
| South Korea | $4K | 0.1% |
| Austria | $4K | 0.1% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.25 per kg, 68% below the world average of $3.92, 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 monofilament and rods exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported polyethylene monofilament and rods worth $554 thousand (138 tonnes). Most of it went to Namibia (30%), Zimbabwe (27%), Zambia (11%). Among the main buyer markets, Uganda grew fastest (+517% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $167K | 30% |
| Zimbabwe | $147K | 27% |
| Zambia | $62K | 11% |
| Botswana | $45K | 8% |
| Uganda | $33K | 5.9% |
| Lesotho | $30K | 5.4% |
| Australia | $22K | 3.9% |
| Mozambique | $10K | 1.7% |
| Eswatini | $9K | 1.5% |
| Malawi | $6K | 1.1% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa polyethylene monofilament and rods imports (HS 3916.10): 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 3916.10: Ethylene polymers: monofilament, of which any cross-sectional dimension exceeds 1mm, rods, sticks and profile shapes, whether or not surface-worked but not otherwise worked.
Common questions
What is the value of polyethylene monofilament and rods imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported polyethylene monofilament and rods worth $8.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 6.6 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 18th of 195 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 21% on 2023.
Which countries supply polyethylene monofilament and rods to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 81% of the value ($6.7 million), followed by the United States (11%) and Germany (3%). The top three together account for 94%, out of 23 supplier countries in total. The United States grew fastest among the top ten, up 149% on the year.
What is the average import price of polyethylene monofilament and rods per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.25 per kg in 2024, 68% below the world average of $3.92 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 monofilament and rods to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $6.8 million in 2017 to $8.3 million in 2024, an increase of 21%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $6.8 million a year.
Does South Africa also export polyethylene monofilament and rods?
Yes. South Africa exported $554 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Namibia, Zimbabwe and Zambia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $7.7 million a year.
What is the HS code for polyethylene monofilament and rods?
The HS code for polyethylene monofilament and rods is subheading 3916.10. It sits in HS chapter 39 (plastics and articles thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3916 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
For South Africa, EximDataX reads the shipment records of the countries that trade with it and shows the companies on both sides. We can walk you through your product on a short call.
Same product, other countries
World polyethylene monofilament and rods trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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