Polypropylene exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of polypropylene by South Africa reached $326.1 million in 2024 (295.6 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. Value fell 12% from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2022, at $426.3 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 | $326.1M | 295.6K t |
| 2023 | $370.0M | 364.7K t |
| 2022 | $426.3M | 312.2K t |
| 2021 | $412.2M | 284.1K t |
| 2020 | $359.0M | 381.5K t |
| 2019 | $417.8M | 367.8K t |
| 2018 | $406.0M | 317.8K t |
| 2017 | $404.4M | 365.7K t |
Where South Africa exports polypropylene to
Most of it went to Nigeria (15%), Zambia (14%), Italy (7%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 36%. Among the main buyer markets, Italy grew fastest (+118% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Nigeria | $49.9M | 15% |
| Zambia | $46.0M | 14% |
| Italy | $22.9M | 7% |
| Malawi | $21.4M | 6.6% |
| Netherlands | $18.2M | 5.6% |
| Portugal | $16.3M | 5% |
| Zimbabwe | $15.9M | 4.9% |
| United Kingdom | $14.7M | 4.5% |
| Spain | $13.1M | 4% |
| Kenya | $10.9M | 3.4% |
Product types under HS 3902
| 3902.10 | Propylene, other olefin polymers: polypropylene in primary forms | 87% |
| 3902.30 | Propylene, other olefin polymers: propylene copolymers in primary forms | 12% |
| 3902.90 | Propylene, other olefin polymers: n.e.c. in heading no. 3902, in primary forms | 1.6% |
| 3902.20 | Propylene, other olefin polymers: polyisobutylene in primary forms | 0.1% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 3902.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.10 per kg, close to the world average of $1.36.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Polypropylene imports to South Africa
South Africa imported $139.7 million of polypropylene in 2024 (80.1 thousand tonnes). The largest suppliers were Thailand (16%), Saudi Arabia (12%), Belgium (10%). Trade is spread widely: the top three suppliers together make up only 39%. Among the main suppliers, Kuwait grew fastest (+70% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Thailand | $22.8M | 16% |
| Saudi Arabia | $17.3M | 12% |
| Belgium | $13.9M | 10% |
| Germany | $11.4M | 8.1% |
| Spain | $10.8M | 7.7% |
| South Korea | $10.7M | 7.7% |
| India | $10.5M | 7.5% |
| United States | $5.1M | 3.7% |
| Kuwait | $4.6M | 3.3% |
| China | $4.4M | 3.2% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
Public statistics stop at country totals and the last published year. EximDataX shows the shipment records underneath: the companies, dates, quantities and declared values, updated weekly.
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.
Updated weekly on EximDataX (some markets daily), while public statistics stop at 2024.
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 3902: Polymers of propylene or of other olefins, in primary forms.
Common questions
What is the value of polypropylene exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported polypropylene worth $326.1 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 295.6 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 28th of 147 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was down 12% on 2023.
Which countries buy polypropylene from South Africa?
Nigeria was the largest buyer with 15% of the value ($49.9 million), followed by Zambia (14%) and Italy (7%). The top three together account for 36%, out of 81 buyer countries in total. Italy grew fastest among the top ten, up 118% on the year.
What is the average export price of polypropylene per kg?
The average declared export value was about $1.10 per kg in 2024, 19% below the world average of $1.36 per kg. It is total declared value divided by total weight, so it blends every grade and size; use it as a benchmark, not a quote. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
How have exports of polypropylene from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $404.4 million in 2017 to $326.1 million in 2024, a fall of 19%. The peak was 2022 at $426.3 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import polypropylene?
Yes. South Africa imported $139.7 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Thailand, Saudi Arabia and Belgium. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $186.4 million a year.
What is the HS code for polypropylene?
The HS code for polypropylene is heading 3902. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 3902.10 (87% of the value) and 3902.30 (12%). It sits in HS chapter 39 (plastics and articles thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3902 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
Public statistics stop at country totals. EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, updated weekly, so you can see the companies that ship to and from it. Tell us your product and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
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.