Polymer adhesive imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported polymer adhesive worth $51.7 million (15.6 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 8% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 9% a year on average.
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 | $51.7M | 15.6K t |
| 2023 | $47.8M | 12.5K t |
| 2022 | $49.1M | 13.4K t |
| 2021 | $41.9M | 11.3K t |
| 2020 | $34.1M | 10.4K t |
| 2019 | $37.8M | 10.7K t |
| 2018 | $34.3M | 9.1K t |
| 2017 | $28.3M | 7.9K t |
Where South Africa imports polymer adhesive from
The largest suppliers were Germany (21%), Egypt (13%), China (12%). Trade is spread widely: the top three suppliers together make up only 46%. Among the main suppliers, Portugal grew fastest (+158% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $11.0M | 21% |
| Egypt | $6.7M | 13% |
| China | $6.0M | 12% |
| Italy | $4.4M | 8.5% |
| Turkey | $3.3M | 6.3% |
| Malaysia | $3.2M | 6.2% |
| France | $3.0M | 5.9% |
| Netherlands | $1.9M | 3.7% |
| United States | $1.8M | 3.6% |
| Portugal | $1.7M | 3.3% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $3.31 per kg, close to the world average of $3.90.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Polymer adhesive exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $8.9 million of polymer adhesive in 2024 (2.6 thousand tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Zimbabwe (25%), Mozambique (11%), United Kingdom (8%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 44%. Among the main buyer markets, Nigeria grew fastest (+100% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $2.2M | 25% |
| Mozambique | $974K | 11% |
| United Kingdom | $733K | 8.2% |
| Zambia | $684K | 7.7% |
| Nigeria | $603K | 6.8% |
| Namibia | $507K | 5.7% |
| Lesotho | $300K | 3.4% |
| Eswatini | $275K | 3.1% |
| Ghana | $256K | 2.9% |
| Malawi | $247K | 2.8% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa polymer adhesive imports (HS 3506.91): 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 3506.91: Adhesives: prepared, based on polymers of heading 3901 to 3913 or on rubber.
Common questions
What is the value of polymer adhesive imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported polymer adhesive worth $51.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 15.6 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 37th of 222 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 8% on 2023.
Which countries supply polymer adhesive to South Africa?
Germany was the largest supplier with 21% of the value ($11.0 million), followed by Egypt (13%) and China (12%). The top three together account for 46%, out of 53 supplier countries in total. Portugal grew fastest among the top ten, up 158% on the year.
What is the average import price of polymer adhesive per kg?
The average declared import value was about $3.31 per kg in 2024, 15% below the world average of $3.90 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of polymer adhesive to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $28.3 million in 2017 to $51.7 million in 2024, an increase of 82%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $40.6 million a year.
Does South Africa also export polymer adhesive?
Yes. South Africa exported $8.9 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zimbabwe, Mozambique and the United Kingdom. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $42.7 million a year.
What is the HS code for polymer adhesive?
The HS code for polymer adhesive is subheading 3506.91. It sits in HS chapter 35 (albuminoidal substances; modified starches; glues; enzymes). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3506 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
The totals here are public statistics; EximDataX adds the company names by reading partner countries' customs records for South Africa. Tell us your product to see it live.
Same product, other countries
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