Polyurethane imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $114.9 million of polyurethane in 2024 (42.0 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is close to the 2023 level. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
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 | $114.9M | 42.0K t |
| 2023 | $113.0M | 39.2K t |
| 2022 | $128.9M | 39.7K t |
| 2021 | $112.2M | 39.8K t |
| 2020 | $72.7M | 30.7K t |
| 2019 | $80.7M | 33.3K t |
| 2018 | $97.8M | 34.9K t |
| 2017 | $82.3M | 34.1K t |
Where South Africa imports polyurethane from
The largest suppliers were China (20%), Germany (20%), Belgium (8%). Trade is spread widely: the top three suppliers together make up only 48%. Among the main suppliers, United States grew fastest (+78% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $23.3M | 20% |
| Germany | $22.7M | 20% |
| Belgium | $8.8M | 7.7% |
| India | $8.3M | 7.2% |
| Italy | $6.8M | 5.9% |
| United States | $6.1M | 5.3% |
| Saudi Arabia | $5.3M | 4.6% |
| Spain | $3.6M | 3.1% |
| Singapore | $3.5M | 3% |
| United Kingdom | $3.3M | 2.9% |
Product types under HS 3909
| 3909.50 | Polyurethanes: in primary forms | 51% |
| 3909.31 | Amino-resins: n.e.c. in heading no. 3909, in primary forms, poly(methylene phenyl isocyanate) (Crude MDI, polymeric MDI) | 24% |
| 3909.39 | Amino-resins: n.e.c. in heading no. 3909, in primary forms, other than poly(methylene phenyl isocyanate) (Crude MDI, polymeric MDI) | 11% |
| 3909.40 | Phenolic resins: in primary forms | 9.8% |
| 3909.20 | Amino-resins: melamine resins, in primary forms | 2.7% |
| 3909.10 | Amino-resins: urea and thiourea resins, in primary forms | 2.4% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 3909.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.74 per kg, 32% above the world average of $2.07. 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.
Polyurethane exports from South Africa
Exports of polyurethane by South Africa reached $10.8 million in 2024 (6.0 thousand tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Zambia (20%), Zimbabwe (12%), DR Congo (9%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 41%. Among the main buyer markets, Turkey grew fastest (+892% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zambia | $2.1M | 20% |
| Zimbabwe | $1.3M | 12% |
| DR Congo | $990K | 9.1% |
| Eswatini | $907K | 8.4% |
| Indonesia | $675K | 6.2% |
| Botswana | $571K | 5.3% |
| Malawi | $570K | 5.3% |
| Turkey | $488K | 4.5% |
| Namibia | $486K | 4.5% |
| Germany | $294K | 2.7% |
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 3909: Amino-resins, phenolic resins and polyurethanes, in primary forms.
Common questions
What is the value of polyurethane imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported polyurethane worth $114.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 42.0 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 40th of 214 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 2% on 2023.
Which countries supply polyurethane to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 20% of the value ($23.3 million), followed by Germany (20%) and Belgium (8%). The top three together account for 48%, out of 50 supplier countries in total. The United States grew fastest among the top ten, up 78% on the year.
What is the average import price of polyurethane per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.74 per kg in 2024, 32% above the world average of $2.07 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 imports of polyurethane to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $82.3 million in 2017 to $114.9 million in 2024, an increase of 40%. The peak was 2022 at $128.9 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export polyurethane?
Yes. South Africa exported $10.8 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zambia, Zimbabwe and the DR Congo. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $104.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for polyurethane?
The HS code for polyurethane is heading 3909. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 3909.50 (51% of the value) and 3909.31 (24%). It sits in HS chapter 39 (plastics and articles thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3909 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.
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