Polyvinyl chloride pipes and tubes imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of polyvinyl chloride pipes and tubes by South Africa reached $17.1 million in 2024 (10.4 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value rose 7% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 14% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2019, at $31.3 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 | $17.1M | 10.4K t |
| 2023 | $16.0M | 10.0K t |
| 2022 | $16.2M | 6.5K t |
| 2021 | $26.6M | 10.6K t |
| 2020 | $20.6M | 13.5K t |
| 2019 | $31.3M | 18.3K t |
| 2018 | $8.9M | 3.5K t |
| 2017 | $6.6M | 3.0K t |
Where South Africa imports polyvinyl chloride pipes and tubes from
Botswana alone supplied 85% of it. Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+33% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Botswana | $14.6M | 85% |
| China | $759K | 4.4% |
| India | $709K | 4.2% |
| Spain | $252K | 1.5% |
| Italy | $242K | 1.4% |
| Germany | $168K | 1% |
| France | $88K | 0.5% |
| Philippines | $86K | 0.5% |
| United States | $67K | 0.4% |
| Belgium | $45K | 0.3% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.65 per kg, 27% below the world average of $2.25, which often means bulk or lower-grade product.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Polyvinyl chloride pipes and tubes exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported polyvinyl chloride pipes and tubes worth $9.1 million (3.7 thousand tonnes). Most of it went to Namibia (28%), Mozambique (14%), Botswana (11%). Among the main buyer markets, Tanzania grew fastest (+99% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $2.5M | 28% |
| Mozambique | $1.3M | 14% |
| Botswana | $1.0M | 11% |
| Eswatini | $838K | 9.2% |
| Tanzania | $834K | 9.1% |
| Malawi | $607K | 6.6% |
| Zimbabwe | $535K | 5.9% |
| Zambia | $501K | 5.5% |
| DR Congo | $228K | 2.5% |
| Lesotho | $185K | 2% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa polyvinyl chloride pipes and tubes imports (HS 3917.23): 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 3917.23: Plastics: tubes, pipes and hoses thereof, rigid, of polymers of vinyl chloride.
Common questions
What is the value of polyvinyl chloride pipes and tubes imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported polyvinyl chloride pipes and tubes worth $17.1 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 10.4 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 25th of 222 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 7% on 2023.
Which countries supply polyvinyl chloride pipes and tubes to South Africa?
Botswana was the largest supplier with 85% of the value ($14.6 million), followed by China (4%) and India (4%). The top three together account for 94%, out of 41 supplier countries in total. The Philippines grew fastest among the top ten, up 369% on the year.
What is the average import price of polyvinyl chloride pipes and tubes per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.65 per kg in 2024, 27% below the world average of $2.25 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of polyvinyl chloride pipes and tubes to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $6.6 million in 2017 to $17.1 million in 2024, an increase of 158%. The peak was 2019 at $31.3 million. Over 8 years the average was $17.9 million a year.
Does South Africa also export polyvinyl chloride pipes and tubes?
Yes. South Africa exported $9.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Namibia, Mozambique and Botswana. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $8.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for polyvinyl chloride pipes and tubes?
The HS code for polyvinyl chloride pipes and tubes is subheading 3917.23. It sits in HS chapter 39 (plastics and articles thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3917 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, so the companies shipping to and from it are visible. Ask for a live look at your product.
Same product, other countries
World polyvinyl chloride pipes and tubes trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
- Polyethylene pipes and tubes (rigid)
- Plastic pipe and hose fittings
- Plastic hose and tubing (other)
- Flexible plastic tubing (unreinforced)
- Plastic pipes and tubes (rigid, other)
- Plastic sausage casings
- Flexible high-pressure plastic hose
- Flexible plastic hose with fittings
- All South Africa trade data
- HS 3917 codes
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