Polyurethane resins imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported polyurethane resins worth $58.4 million (15.4 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 3% less than in 2023. 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 | $58.4M | 15.4K t |
| 2023 | $60.3M | 15.7K t |
| 2022 | $67.3M | 16.3K t |
| 2021 | $50.9M | 15.4K t |
| 2020 | $41.4M | 13.4K t |
| 2019 | $44.3M | 13.9K t |
| 2018 | $53.7M | 15.8K t |
| 2017 | $46.4M | 15.0K t |
Where South Africa imports polyurethane resins from
The largest suppliers were Germany (30%), Italy (11%), United States (9%). Trade is spread widely: the top three suppliers together make up only 50%. Among the main suppliers, United States grew fastest (+92% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $17.5M | 30% |
| Italy | $6.3M | 11% |
| United States | $5.1M | 8.7% |
| India | $4.3M | 7.3% |
| Belgium | $3.9M | 6.7% |
| Singapore | $3.2M | 5.5% |
| China | $3.0M | 5.1% |
| Spain | $2.6M | 4.5% |
| United Kingdom | $2.4M | 4.1% |
| France | $1.8M | 3% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $3.80 per kg, close to the world average of $3.87.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Polyurethane resins exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported polyurethane resins worth $4.5 million (1.2 thousand tonnes). Most of it went to DR Congo (20%), Zimbabwe (20%), Zambia (15%). Among the main buyer markets, DR Congo grew fastest (+286% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| DR Congo | $881K | 20% |
| Zimbabwe | $878K | 20% |
| Zambia | $658K | 15% |
| Botswana | $395K | 8.8% |
| Namibia | $346K | 7.7% |
| Malawi | $154K | 3.4% |
| Angola | $149K | 3.3% |
| Italy | $149K | 3.3% |
| India | $127K | 2.8% |
| Australia | $112K | 2.5% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa polyurethane resins imports (HS 3909.50): 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 3909.50: Polyurethanes: in primary forms.
Common questions
What is the value of polyurethane resins imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported polyurethane resins worth $58.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 15.4 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 35th of 212 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was down 3% on 2023.
Which countries supply polyurethane resins to South Africa?
Germany was the largest supplier with 30% of the value ($17.5 million), followed by Italy (11%) and the United States (9%). The top three together account for 50%, out of 44 supplier countries in total. The United States grew fastest among the top ten, up 92% on the year.
What is the average import price of polyurethane resins per kg?
The average declared import value was about $3.80 per kg in 2024, close to the world average of $3.87 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of polyurethane resins to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $46.4 million in 2017 to $58.4 million in 2024, an increase of 26%. The peak was 2022 at $67.3 million. Over 8 years the average was $52.8 million a year.
Does South Africa also export polyurethane resins?
Yes. South Africa exported $4.5 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the DR Congo, Zimbabwe and Zambia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $54.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for polyurethane resins?
The HS code for polyurethane resins is subheading 3909.50. 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?
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 polyurethane resins trade: top importers and exporters
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