Polyethylene pipes and tubes (rigid) exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $37.8 million of polyethylene pipes and tubes (rigid) in 2024 (15.6 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. The value was almost unchanged from 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 10% a year on average.
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 | $37.8M | 15.6K t |
| 2023 | $37.5M | 15.3K t |
| 2022 | $41.2M | 17.1K t |
| 2021 | $28.4M | 12.2K t |
| 2020 | $22.3M | 9.7K t |
| 2019 | $21.9M | 9.6K t |
| 2018 | $30.2M | 12.5K t |
| 2017 | $19.4M | 8.0K t |
Where South Africa exports polyethylene pipes and tubes (rigid) to
Most of it went to Zambia (33%), Australia (11%), DR Congo (11%). Among the main buyer markets, Namibia grew fastest (+250% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zambia | $12.6M | 33% |
| Australia | $4.3M | 11% |
| DR Congo | $4.2M | 11% |
| Botswana | $3.6M | 9.6% |
| Zimbabwe | $2.6M | 7% |
| Namibia | $2.3M | 6.1% |
| Mozambique | $1.3M | 3.3% |
| Lesotho | $932K | 2.5% |
| Angola | $893K | 2.4% |
| Burkina Faso | $877K | 2.3% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.42 per kg, close to the world average of $3.00.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Polyethylene pipes and tubes (rigid) imports to South Africa
Imports of polyethylene pipes and tubes (rigid) by South Africa reached $7.1 million in 2024 (957 tonnes). The largest suppliers were Germany (23%), Italy (20%), Switzerland (15%). Among the main suppliers, Turkey grew fastest (+329% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $1.6M | 23% |
| Italy | $1.4M | 20% |
| Switzerland | $1.1M | 15% |
| United States | $808K | 11% |
| China | $616K | 8.7% |
| United Kingdom | $403K | 5.7% |
| Turkey | $336K | 4.7% |
| Sweden | $310K | 4.4% |
| Spain | $293K | 4.1% |
| India | $80K | 1.1% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa polyethylene pipes and tubes (rigid) exports (HS 3917.21): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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.
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 3917.21: Plastics: tubes, pipes and hoses thereof, rigid, of polymers of ethylene.
Common questions
What is the value of polyethylene pipes and tubes (rigid) exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported polyethylene pipes and tubes (rigid) worth $37.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 15.6 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 18th of 143 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was up 1% on 2023.
Which countries buy polyethylene pipes and tubes (rigid) from South Africa?
Zambia was the largest buyer with 33% of the value ($12.6 million), followed by Australia (11%) and the DR Congo (11%). The top three together account for 56%, out of 63 buyer countries in total. Namibia grew fastest among the top ten, up 250% on the year.
What is the average export price of polyethylene pipes and tubes (rigid) per kg?
The average declared export value was about $2.42 per kg in 2024, 19% below the world average of $3.00 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 pipes and tubes (rigid) from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $19.4 million in 2017 to $37.8 million in 2024, an increase of 95%. The peak was 2022 at $41.2 million. Over 8 years the average was $29.8 million a year.
Does South Africa also import polyethylene pipes and tubes (rigid)?
Yes. South Africa imported $7.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Germany, Italy and Switzerland. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $30.7 million a year.
What is the HS code for polyethylene pipes and tubes (rigid)?
The HS code for polyethylene pipes and tubes (rigid) is subheading 3917.21. It sits in HS chapter 39 (plastics and articles thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3917 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 pipes and tubes (rigid) trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
- Plastic pipe and hose fittings
- Plastic hose and tubing (other)
- Flexible plastic tubing (unreinforced)
- Plastic pipes and tubes (rigid, other)
- Plastic sausage casings
- Polyvinyl chloride pipes and tubes
- Flexible high-pressure plastic hose
- Flexible plastic hose with fittings
- All South Africa trade data
- HS 3917 codes
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
Everything we show you comes from official customs filings — records, not claims. 30 minutes. Your shipment. Your HS code. Real platform. If you don’t see something new about your market by the end of the call, we walk away. No follow-ups.