Putty imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported putty worth $66.5 million (17.7 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value rose 7% on 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 | $66.5M | 17.7K t |
| 2023 | $62.3M | 16.8K t |
| 2022 | $66.1M | 16.8K t |
| 2021 | $67.1M | 18.9K t |
| 2020 | $49.6M | 17.8K t |
| 2019 | $57.3M | 19.6K t |
| 2018 | $59.1M | 20.7K t |
| 2017 | $51.2M | 19.0K t |
Where South Africa imports putty from
The largest suppliers were Germany (26%), China (14%), Turkey (12%). Among the main suppliers, Italy grew fastest (+129% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $17.2M | 26% |
| China | $9.0M | 14% |
| Turkey | $7.9M | 12% |
| Switzerland | $7.5M | 11% |
| United States | $4.1M | 6.2% |
| Belgium | $3.5M | 5.3% |
| France | $3.0M | 4.5% |
| United Kingdom | $2.8M | 4.2% |
| Netherlands | $2.8M | 4.2% |
| Italy | $1.9M | 2.9% |
Product types under HS 3214
| 3214.10 | Mastics: painters' fillings | 87% |
| 3214.90 | Mastics: n.e.c. in heading no. 3214 | 13% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 3214.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $3.75 per kg, 137% above the world average of $1.58. 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.
Putty exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $36.6 million of putty in 2024 (58.2 thousand tonnes). The largest buyer markets were DR Congo (32%), Zimbabwe (16%), Botswana (12%). Among the main buyer markets, Mauritius grew fastest (+378% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| DR Congo | $11.8M | 32% |
| Zimbabwe | $5.8M | 16% |
| Botswana | $4.3M | 12% |
| Zambia | $2.3M | 6.4% |
| Namibia | $2.2M | 6% |
| Mozambique | $1.6M | 4.4% |
| Mauritius | $1.3M | 3.7% |
| Ghana | $1.1M | 3% |
| Eswatini | $994K | 2.7% |
| Lesotho | $967K | 2.6% |
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 3214: Glaziers' putty, grafting putty, resin cements, caulking compounds and other mastics; painters' fillings; non-refractory surfacing preparations for facades, indoor walls, floors, ceilings or the like.
Common questions
What is the value of putty imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported putty worth $66.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 17.7 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 47th of 224 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 7% on 2023.
Which countries supply putty to South Africa?
Germany was the largest supplier with 26% of the value ($17.2 million), followed by China (14%) and Turkey (12%). The top three together account for 51%, out of 66 supplier countries in total. Italy grew fastest among the top ten, up 129% on the year.
What is the average import price of putty per kg?
The average declared import value was about $3.75 per kg in 2024, 137% above the world average of $1.58 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 putty to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $51.2 million in 2017 to $66.5 million in 2024, an increase of 30%. The peak was 2021 at $67.1 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export putty?
Yes. South Africa exported $36.6 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the DR Congo, Zimbabwe and Botswana. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $29.9 million a year.
What is the HS code for putty?
The HS code for putty is heading 3214. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 3214.10 (87% of the value) and 3214.90 (13%). It sits in HS chapter 32 (tanning or dyeing extracts; tannins and their derivatives; dyes, pigments and other colouring matter; paints, varnishes; putty, other mastics; inks). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3214 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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