Polystyrene film and sheet imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of polystyrene film and sheet by South Africa reached $8.9 million in 2024 (2.8 thousand tonnes). Value fell 14% from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2021, at $14.4 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 | $8.9M | 2.8K t |
| 2023 | $10.3M | 3.2K t |
| 2022 | $12.3M | 3.6K t |
| 2021 | $14.4M | 4.6K t |
| 2020 | $9.4M | 3.5K t |
| 2019 | $10.2M | 3.7K t |
| 2018 | $10.3M | 3.2K t |
| 2017 | $10.1M | 3.6K t |
Where South Africa imports polystyrene film and sheet from
Most of the value came from Austria (36%), Portugal (23%), China (13%).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Austria | $3.2M | 36% |
| Portugal | $2.1M | 23% |
| China | $1.1M | 13% |
| France | $881K | 9.9% |
| Germany | $677K | 7.6% |
| Turkey | $339K | 3.8% |
| Ireland | $173K | 1.9% |
| Indonesia | $134K | 1.5% |
| Poland | $88K | 1% |
| Italy | $50K | 0.6% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $3.22 per kg, close to the world average of $3.43.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Polystyrene film and sheet exports from South Africa
Exports of polystyrene film and sheet by South Africa reached $531 thousand in 2024 (128 tonnes). Most of it went to Netherlands (36%), Zimbabwe (18%), Zambia (14%). Among the main buyer markets, Malawi grew fastest (+84% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Netherlands | $193K | 36% |
| Zimbabwe | $98K | 18% |
| Zambia | $75K | 14% |
| Malawi | $64K | 12% |
| Namibia | $35K | 6.6% |
| Botswana | $33K | 6.2% |
| Eswatini | $7K | 1.4% |
| DR Congo | $7K | 1.4% |
| Mozambique | $6K | 1.1% |
| Egypt | $5K | 0.9% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa polystyrene film and sheet imports (HS 3920.30): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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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 3920.30: Plastics: of polymers of styrene, plates, sheets, film, foil and strip (not self-adhesive), non-cellular and not reinforced, laminated, supported or similarly combined with other materials.
Common questions
What is the value of polystyrene film and sheet imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported polystyrene film and sheet worth $8.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 2.8 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 44th of 196 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 14% on 2023.
Which countries supply polystyrene film and sheet to South Africa?
Austria was the largest supplier with 36% of the value ($3.2 million), followed by Portugal (23%) and China (13%). The top three together account for 72%, out of 29 supplier countries in total. Italy grew fastest among the top ten, up 357% on the year.
What is the average import price of polystyrene film and sheet per kg?
The average declared import value was about $3.22 per kg in 2024, 6% below the world average of $3.43 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of polystyrene film and sheet to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $10.1 million in 2017 to $8.9 million in 2024, a fall of 12%. The peak was 2021 at $14.4 million. Over 8 years the average was $10.7 million a year.
Does South Africa also export polystyrene film and sheet?
Yes. South Africa exported $531 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the Netherlands, Zimbabwe and Zambia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $8.4 million a year.
What is the HS code for polystyrene film and sheet?
The HS code for polystyrene film and sheet is subheading 3920.30. It sits in HS chapter 39 (plastics and articles thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3920 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 polystyrene film and sheet trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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