Polyethylene terephthalate film imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $49.1 million of polyethylene terephthalate film in 2024 (23.8 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value rose 13% 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 | $49.1M | 23.8K t |
| 2023 | $43.5M | 20.4K t |
| 2022 | $57.1M | 23.3K t |
| 2021 | $39.2M | 18.2K t |
| 2020 | $34.7M | 14.8K t |
| 2019 | $37.0M | 14.4K t |
| 2018 | $31.4M | 13.1K t |
| 2017 | $30.2M | 13.4K t |
Where South Africa imports polyethylene terephthalate film from
Most of the value came from India (25%), China (15%), Oman (12%). Among the main suppliers, United Arab Emirates grew fastest (+616% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $12.4M | 25% |
| China | $7.2M | 15% |
| Oman | $5.7M | 12% |
| Germany | $4.5M | 9.2% |
| Turkey | $4.0M | 8.2% |
| South Korea | $1.8M | 3.7% |
| Taiwan | $1.8M | 3.6% |
| United Arab Emirates | $1.7M | 3.5% |
| Spain | $1.4M | 2.9% |
| Lithuania | $1.4M | 2.8% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.06 per kg, 32% below the world average of $3.01, 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 terephthalate film exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $1.8 million of polyethylene terephthalate film in 2024 (957 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Zimbabwe (30%), Malawi (18%), Zambia (10%). Among the main buyer markets, Australia grew fastest (+753% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $527K | 30% |
| Malawi | $315K | 18% |
| Zambia | $179K | 10% |
| Australia | $127K | 7.1% |
| Morocco | $89K | 5% |
| Eswatini | $75K | 4.2% |
| United Kingdom | $61K | 3.4% |
| Lesotho | $51K | 2.9% |
| Botswana | $48K | 2.7% |
| Namibia | $40K | 2.2% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa polyethylene terephthalate film imports (HS 3920.62): 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 3920.62: Plastics: plates, sheets, film, foil and strip (not self-adhesive), of poly(ethylene terephthalate), non-cellular and not reinforced, laminated, supported or similarly combined with other materials.
Common questions
What is the value of polyethylene terephthalate film imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported polyethylene terephthalate film worth $49.1 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 23.8 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 32nd of 211 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 13% on 2023.
Which countries supply polyethylene terephthalate film to South Africa?
India was the largest supplier with 25% of the value ($12.4 million), followed by China (15%) and Oman (12%). The top three together account for 51%, out of 45 supplier countries in total. The United Arab Emirates grew fastest among the top ten, up 616% on the year.
What is the average import price of polyethylene terephthalate film per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.06 per kg in 2024, 32% below the world average of $3.01 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of polyethylene terephthalate film to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $30.2 million in 2017 to $49.1 million in 2024, an increase of 62%. The peak was 2022 at $57.1 million. Over 8 years the average was $40.3 million a year.
Does South Africa also export polyethylene terephthalate film?
Yes. South Africa exported $1.8 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zimbabwe, Malawi and Zambia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $47.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for polyethylene terephthalate film?
The HS code for polyethylene terephthalate film is subheading 3920.62. It sits in HS chapter 39 (plastics and articles thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3920 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 terephthalate film trade: top importers and exporters
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