Rigid PVC compounds exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $2.9 million of rigid pvc compounds in 2024 (2.3 thousand tonnes). That is 303% more 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 .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
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Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $2.9M | 2.3K t |
| 2023 | $719K | 544 t |
| 2022 | $1.9M | 1.2K t |
| 2021 | $1.4M | 937 t |
| 2020 | $1.3M | 1.3K t |
| 2019 | $1.2M | 973 t |
| 2018 | $1.6M | 1.1K t |
| 2017 | $1.7M | 1.4K t |
Where South Africa exports rigid pvc compounds to
The largest buyer markets were Zimbabwe (27%), Cameroon (23%), Botswana (15%). Among the main buyer markets, Zambia grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $768K | 27% |
| Cameroon | $663K | 23% |
| Botswana | $425K | 15% |
| Portugal | $227K | 7.8% |
| Tanzania | $211K | 7.3% |
| Zambia | $186K | 6.4% |
| DR Congo | $104K | 3.6% |
| Mozambique | $82K | 2.8% |
| Malawi | $65K | 2.3% |
| Cabo Verde | $46K | 1.6% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.24 per kg, close to the world average of $1.44.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Rigid PVC compounds imports to South Africa
South Africa imported $742 thousand of rigid pvc compounds in 2024 (504 tonnes). The largest suppliers were Portugal (38%), Vietnam (34%), Spain (20%). Among the main suppliers, Portugal grew fastest (+184% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Portugal | $283K | 38% |
| Vietnam | $251K | 34% |
| Spain | $151K | 20% |
| China | $31K | 4.2% |
| United Kingdom | $27K | 3.6% |
| United States | $0K | 0% |
| Turkey | $0K | 0% |
| Namibia | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa rigid pvc compounds exports (HS 3904.21): 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 3904.21: Vinyl chloride, other halogenated olefin polymers: non-plasticised poly(vinyl chloride), in primary forms, mixed with other substances.
Common questions
What is the value of rigid pvc compounds exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported rigid pvc compounds worth $2.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 2.3 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 32nd of 89 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was up 303% on 2023.
Which countries buy rigid pvc compounds from South Africa?
Zimbabwe was the largest buyer with 27% of the value ($768 thousand), followed by Cameroon (23%) and Botswana (15%). The top three together account for 64%, out of 15 buyer countries in total. Zimbabwe grew fastest among the top ten, up 471% on the year.
What is the average export price of rigid pvc compounds per kg?
The average declared export value was about $1.24 per kg in 2024, 14% below the world average of $1.44 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of rigid pvc compounds from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $1.7 million in 2017 to $2.9 million in 2024, an increase of 70%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $1.6 million a year.
Does South Africa also import rigid pvc compounds?
Yes. South Africa imported $742 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Portugal, Vietnam and Spain. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $2.2 million a year.
What is the HS code for rigid pvc compounds?
The HS code for rigid pvc compounds is subheading 3904.21. It sits in HS chapter 39 (plastics and articles thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3904 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 rigid pvc compounds trade: top importers and exporters
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