Polyethylene terephthalate (low viscosity) exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $7.7 million of polyethylene terephthalate (low viscosity) in 2024 (10.4 thousand tonnes). Value fell 30% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 10% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2023, at $11.0 million.
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 | $7.7M | 10.4K t |
| 2023 | $11.0M | 9.0K t |
| 2022 | $9.5M | 9.5K t |
| 2021 | $6.8M | 6.8K t |
| 2020 | $6.8M | 9.3K t |
| 2019 | $9.4M | 8.1K t |
| 2018 | $6.5M | 7.4K t |
| 2017 | $3.9M | 4.4K t |
Where South Africa exports polyethylene terephthalate (low viscosity) to
Most of it went to Zimbabwe (29%), India (22%), Germany (5%). Among the main buyer markets, United States grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $2.2M | 29% |
| India | $1.7M | 22% |
| Germany | $406K | 5.2% |
| Ireland | $395K | 5.1% |
| United States | $372K | 4.8% |
| Angola | $334K | 4.3% |
| United Kingdom | $322K | 4.2% |
| France | $305K | 3.9% |
| Malaysia | $287K | 3.7% |
| China | $236K | 3% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.75 per kg, 30% below the world average of $1.07, 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 (low viscosity) imports to South Africa
Imports of polyethylene terephthalate (low viscosity) by South Africa reached $3.5 million in 2024 (7.8 thousand tonnes). Most of the value came from Zambia (32%), Belgium (14%), Tanzania (11%). Among the main suppliers, Namibia grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zambia | $1.1M | 32% |
| Belgium | $493K | 14% |
| Tanzania | $381K | 11% |
| Zimbabwe | $380K | 11% |
| Mozambique | $341K | 9.7% |
| Namibia | $249K | 7.1% |
| United States | $146K | 4.2% |
| Malaysia | $72K | 2% |
| South Korea | $63K | 1.8% |
| China | $57K | 1.6% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa polyethylene terephthalate (low viscosity) exports (HS 3907.69): 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 3907.69: Poly(ethylene terephthalate): in primary forms, having a viscosity of less than 78ml/g.
Common questions
What is the value of polyethylene terephthalate (low viscosity) exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported polyethylene terephthalate (low viscosity) worth $7.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 10.4 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 48th of 140 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was down 30% on 2023.
Which countries buy polyethylene terephthalate (low viscosity) from South Africa?
Zimbabwe was the largest buyer with 29% of the value ($2.2 million), followed by India (22%) and Germany (5%). The top three together account for 56%, out of 36 buyer countries in total. The United Kingdom grew fastest among the top ten, up 242% on the year.
What is the average export price of polyethylene terephthalate (low viscosity) per kg?
The average declared export value was about $0.75 per kg in 2024, 30% below the world average of $1.07 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have exports of polyethylene terephthalate (low viscosity) from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $3.9 million in 2017 to $7.7 million in 2024, an increase of 97%. The peak was 2023 at $11.0 million. Over 8 years the average was $7.7 million a year.
Does South Africa also import polyethylene terephthalate (low viscosity)?
Yes. South Africa imported $3.5 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Zambia, Belgium and Tanzania. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $4.2 million a year.
What is the HS code for polyethylene terephthalate (low viscosity)?
The HS code for polyethylene terephthalate (low viscosity) is subheading 3907.69. 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 (low viscosity) trade: top importers and exporters
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