Polypropylene staple fiber exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $14.7 million of polypropylene staple fiber in 2024 (6.5 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 2%. That is 24% less than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2021, at $25.1 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 | $14.7M | 6.5K t |
| 2023 | $19.5M | 8.7K t |
| 2022 | $21.9M | 9.1K t |
| 2021 | $25.1M | 11.0K t |
| 2020 | $20.5M | 9.8K t |
| 2019 | $17.7M | 8.3K t |
| 2018 | $20.9M | 8.4K t |
| 2017 | $16.8M | 7.2K t |
Where South Africa exports polypropylene staple fiber to
Mozambique alone took 74% of it. Among the main buyer markets, Ghana grew fastest (+761% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Mozambique | $10.9M | 74% |
| Brazil | $799K | 5.4% |
| Ghana | $572K | 3.9% |
| Botswana | $531K | 3.6% |
| Malawi | $513K | 3.5% |
| Czech Republic | $327K | 2.2% |
| Zimbabwe | $289K | 2% |
| Netherlands | $248K | 1.7% |
| Belgium | $224K | 1.5% |
| Tanzania | $144K | 1% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.29 per kg, close to the world average of $1.94.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Polypropylene staple fiber imports to South Africa
South Africa imported $3.1 million of polypropylene staple fiber in 2024 (852 tonnes). One supplier dominates: Mozambique accounted for 51% of the value.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Mozambique | $1.6M | 51% |
| China | $561K | 18% |
| Belgium | $550K | 18% |
| Saudi Arabia | $174K | 5.6% |
| South Korea | $72K | 2.3% |
| United States | $55K | 1.8% |
| Taiwan | $31K | 1% |
| Brazil | $30K | 1% |
| Denmark | $16K | 0.5% |
| Netherlands | $16K | 0.5% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa polypropylene staple fiber exports (HS 5503.40): 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 5503.40: Fibres: synthetic staple fibres, of polypropylene, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning.
Common questions
What is the value of polypropylene staple fiber exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported polypropylene staple fiber worth $14.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 6.5 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 12th of 91 countries worldwide, with 2% of world exports. The value was down 24% on 2023.
Which countries buy polypropylene staple fiber from South Africa?
Mozambique was the largest buyer with 74% of the value ($10.9 million), followed by Brazil (5%) and Ghana (4%). The top three together account for 83%, out of 19 buyer countries in total. Ghana grew fastest among the top ten, up 761% on the year.
What is the average export price of polypropylene staple fiber per kg?
The average declared export value was about $2.29 per kg in 2024, 18% above the world average of $1.94 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have exports of polypropylene staple fiber from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $16.8 million in 2017 to $14.7 million in 2024, a fall of 12%. The peak was 2021 at $25.1 million. Over 8 years the average was $19.7 million a year.
Does South Africa also import polypropylene staple fiber?
Yes. South Africa imported $3.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Mozambique, China and Belgium. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $11.7 million a year.
What is the HS code for polypropylene staple fiber?
The HS code for polypropylene staple fiber is subheading 5503.40. It sits in HS chapter 55 (man-made staple fibres). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 5503 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 staple fiber trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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