Polypropylene copolymers imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of polypropylene copolymers by South Africa reached $58.3 million in 2024 (29.6 thousand tonnes). That is 6% less than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2021, at $85.7 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 | $58.3M | 29.6K t |
| 2023 | $62.0M | 70.5K t |
| 2022 | $79.8M | 76.8K t |
| 2021 | $85.7M | 50.7K t |
| 2020 | $49.0M | 32.1K t |
| 2019 | $65.7M | 33.1K t |
| 2018 | $65.5M | 30.7K t |
| 2017 | $52.7M | 26.3K t |
Where South Africa imports polypropylene copolymers from
The largest suppliers were Thailand (24%), Germany (15%), Spain (14%). Among the main suppliers, Singapore grew fastest (+329% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Thailand | $13.9M | 24% |
| Germany | $8.7M | 15% |
| Spain | $8.1M | 14% |
| Belgium | $7.0M | 12% |
| Singapore | $3.0M | 5.2% |
| Saudi Arabia | $2.9M | 5.1% |
| Netherlands | $2.5M | 4.3% |
| United Arab Emirates | $2.1M | 3.6% |
| Japan | $1.7M | 3% |
| Czech Republic | $1.7M | 2.9% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.97 per kg, 34% above the world average of $1.47. This usually points to higher-grade or processed goods.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Polypropylene copolymers exports from South Africa
Exports of polypropylene copolymers by South Africa reached $37.8 million in 2024 (27.8 thousand tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Zambia (20%), Malawi (18%), United Kingdom (7%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 45%. Among the main buyer markets, Belgium grew fastest (+330% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zambia | $7.6M | 20% |
| Malawi | $6.7M | 18% |
| United Kingdom | $2.6M | 6.9% |
| Netherlands | $2.1M | 5.6% |
| Spain | $2.0M | 5.3% |
| Italy | $2.0M | 5.2% |
| Ireland | $1.9M | 4.9% |
| Nigeria | $1.8M | 4.8% |
| Zimbabwe | $1.5M | 4.1% |
| Belgium | $1.3M | 3.5% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa polypropylene copolymers imports (HS 3902.30): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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.
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 3902.30: Propylene, other olefin polymers: propylene copolymers in primary forms.
Common questions
What is the value of polypropylene copolymers imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported polypropylene copolymers worth $58.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 29.6 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 44th of 169 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 6% on 2023.
Which countries supply polypropylene copolymers to South Africa?
Thailand was the largest supplier with 24% of the value ($13.9 million), followed by Germany (15%) and Spain (14%). The top three together account for 53%, out of 27 supplier countries in total. Singapore grew fastest among the top ten, up 329% on the year.
What is the average import price of polypropylene copolymers per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.97 per kg in 2024, 34% above the world average of $1.47 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of polypropylene copolymers to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $52.7 million in 2017 to $58.3 million in 2024, an increase of 11%. The peak was 2021 at $85.7 million. Over 8 years the average was $64.9 million a year.
Does South Africa also export polypropylene copolymers?
Yes. South Africa exported $37.8 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zambia, Malawi and the United Kingdom. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $20.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for polypropylene copolymers?
The HS code for polypropylene copolymers is subheading 3902.30. 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?
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 polypropylene copolymers trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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.