Reclaimed rubber imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of reclaimed rubber by South Africa reached $4.9 million in 2024 (5.7 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value fell 16% from 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 | $4.9M | 5.7K t |
| 2023 | $5.9M | 5.9K t |
| 2022 | $4.6M | 5.4K t |
| 2021 | $4.3M | 5.3K t |
| 2020 | $3.0M | 4.0K t |
| 2019 | $4.7M | 6.2K t |
| 2018 | $5.4M | 6.5K t |
| 2017 | $4.6M | 6.2K t |
Where South Africa imports reclaimed rubber from
Most of the value came from China (43%), India (32%), Egypt (16%).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $2.1M | 43% |
| India | $1.6M | 32% |
| Egypt | $788K | 16% |
| Saudi Arabia | $158K | 3.2% |
| Germany | $133K | 2.7% |
| Netherlands | $75K | 1.5% |
| Czech Republic | $20K | 0.4% |
| United States | $19K | 0.4% |
| Switzerland | $15K | 0.3% |
| Japan | $10K | 0.2% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.85 per kg, 27% above the world average of $0.67. 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.
Reclaimed rubber exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported reclaimed rubber worth $1.1 million (2.9 thousand tonnes). One buyer market dominates: Australia accounted for 63% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, China grew fastest (+484% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | $661K | 63% |
| Thailand | $156K | 15% |
| China | $77K | 7.3% |
| India | $46K | 4.4% |
| United States | $43K | 4.1% |
| United Arab Emirates | $33K | 3.2% |
| Mozambique | $11K | 1.1% |
| Namibia | $8K | 0.8% |
| Mauritius | $6K | 0.6% |
| Lesotho | $4K | 0.4% |
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 4003: Reclaimed rubber in primary forms or in plates, sheets or strip.
Common questions
What is the value of reclaimed rubber imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported reclaimed rubber worth $4.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 5.7 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 17th of 170 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was down 16% on 2023.
Which countries supply reclaimed rubber to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 43% of the value ($2.1 million), followed by India (32%) and Egypt (16%). The top three together account for 91%, out of 13 supplier countries in total. The Netherlands grew fastest among the top ten, up 484% on the year.
What is the average import price of reclaimed rubber per kg?
The average declared import value was about $0.85 per kg in 2024, 27% above the world average of $0.67 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 reclaimed rubber to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $4.6 million in 2017 to $4.9 million in 2024, an increase of 8%. The peak was 2023 at $5.9 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export reclaimed rubber?
Yes. South Africa exported $1.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Australia, Thailand and China. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $3.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for reclaimed rubber?
The HS code for reclaimed rubber is heading 4003. In South Africa all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 4003.00. It sits in HS chapter 40 (rubber and articles thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 4003 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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