Polyethylene terephthalate (high viscosity) imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported polyethylene terephthalate (high viscosity) worth $37.4 million (41.8 thousand tonnes). Value rose 41% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 8% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2018, at $81.3 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 | $37.4M | 41.8K t |
| 2023 | $26.6M | 28.8K t |
| 2022 | $50.8M | 40.8K t |
| 2021 | $38.6M | 40.1K t |
| 2020 | $35.3M | 43.9K t |
| 2019 | $51.6M | 49.8K t |
| 2018 | $81.3M | 66.3K t |
| 2017 | $68.7M | 70.7K t |
Where South Africa imports polyethylene terephthalate (high viscosity) from
Most of the value came from China (31%), Lithuania (18%), Belgium (9%). Among the main suppliers, Mozambique grew fastest (+120% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $11.7M | 31% |
| Lithuania | $6.7M | 18% |
| Belgium | $3.4M | 9.2% |
| Spain | $3.3M | 8.9% |
| Oman | $2.2M | 5.8% |
| Malaysia | $1.8M | 4.8% |
| United Kingdom | $1.7M | 4.4% |
| Pakistan | $1.5M | 3.9% |
| Mozambique | $1.4M | 3.7% |
| Egypt | $1.3M | 3.4% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.89 per kg, close to the world average of $1.09.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Polyethylene terephthalate (high viscosity) exports from South Africa
Exports of polyethylene terephthalate (high viscosity) by South Africa reached $13.9 million in 2024 (11.3 thousand tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Zimbabwe (33%), Botswana (31%), United States (21%). Among the main buyer markets, Botswana grew fastest (+76% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $4.5M | 33% |
| Botswana | $4.3M | 31% |
| United States | $2.9M | 21% |
| Zambia | $459K | 3.3% |
| Angola | $382K | 2.8% |
| Namibia | $325K | 2.3% |
| Mauritius | $306K | 2.2% |
| Ireland | $104K | 0.8% |
| Germany | $101K | 0.7% |
| Belgium | $100K | 0.7% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa polyethylene terephthalate (high viscosity) imports (HS 3907.61): 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 3907.61: Poly(ethylene terephthalate): in primary forms, having a viscosity of 78ml/g or higher.
Common questions
What is the value of polyethylene terephthalate (high viscosity) imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported polyethylene terephthalate (high viscosity) worth $37.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 41.8 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 67th of 173 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 41% on 2023.
Which countries supply polyethylene terephthalate (high viscosity) to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 31% of the value ($11.7 million), followed by Lithuania (18%) and Belgium (9%). The top three together account for 58%, out of 22 supplier countries in total. Mozambique grew fastest among the top ten, up 120% on the year.
What is the average import price of polyethylene terephthalate (high viscosity) per kg?
The average declared import value was about $0.89 per kg in 2024, 18% below the world average of $1.09 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of polyethylene terephthalate (high viscosity) to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $68.7 million in 2017 to $37.4 million in 2024, a fall of 46%. The peak was 2018 at $81.3 million. Over 8 years the average was $48.8 million a year.
Does South Africa also export polyethylene terephthalate (high viscosity)?
Yes. South Africa exported $13.9 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zimbabwe, Botswana and the United States. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $23.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for polyethylene terephthalate (high viscosity)?
The HS code for polyethylene terephthalate (high viscosity) is subheading 3907.61. It sits in HS chapter 39 (plastics and articles thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3907 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 terephthalate (high viscosity) trade: top importers and exporters
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