Rubber articles imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported rubber articles worth $172.3 million (22.7 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value rose 8% 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 | $172.3M | 22.7K t |
| 2023 | $160.0M | 24.1K t |
| 2022 | $192.7M | 29.5K t |
| 2021 | $172.2M | 18.7K t |
| 2020 | $126.6M | 15.4K t |
| 2019 | $166.5M | 16.4K t |
| 2018 | $166.4M | 18.7K t |
| 2017 | $158.1M | 14.9K t |
Where South Africa imports rubber articles from
The largest suppliers were China (17%), United States (14%), Germany (12%). Trade is spread widely: the top three suppliers together make up only 43%.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $29.1M | 17% |
| United States | $24.8M | 14% |
| Germany | $21.0M | 12% |
| Thailand | $15.0M | 8.7% |
| Japan | $8.4M | 4.9% |
| Turkey | $7.5M | 4.4% |
| India | $7.3M | 4.2% |
| Spain | $6.6M | 3.9% |
| Italy | $4.9M | 2.9% |
| Finland | $4.2M | 2.4% |
Product types under HS 4016
| 4016.93 | Rubber: vulcanised (other than hard rubber), gaskets, washers and other seals, of non-cellular rubber | 47% |
| 4016.99 | Rubber: vulcanised (other than hard rubber), articles n.e.c. in heading no. 4016, of non-cellular rubber | 44% |
| 4016.91 | Rubber: vulcanised (other than hard rubber), floor coverings and mats, of non-cellular rubber | 3.8% |
| 4016.95 | Rubber: vulcanised (other than hard rubber), inflatable articles (other than boat or dock fenders), of non-cellular rubber | 3.3% |
| 4016.10 | Rubber: vulcanised (other than hard rubber), moulded rubber mats and mats of non-rectangular shape made by cutting from the piece, of cellular rubber | 1.2% |
| 4016.92 | Rubber: vulcanised (other than hard rubber), erasers, of non-cellular rubber | 0.6% |
| 4016.94 | Rubber: vulcanised (other than hard rubber), boat or dock fenders, whether or not inflatable, of non-cellular rubber | 0.5% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 4016.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $7.61 per kg, 27% below the world average of $10.37, 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.
Rubber articles exports from South Africa
Exports of rubber articles by South Africa reached $61.4 million in 2024 (6.7 thousand tonnes). Most of it went to Botswana (13%), Namibia (12%), Zambia (11%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 36%. Among the main buyer markets, Australia grew fastest (+50% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Botswana | $8.0M | 13% |
| Namibia | $7.5M | 12% |
| Zambia | $6.8M | 11% |
| Zimbabwe | $6.0M | 9.8% |
| Mozambique | $4.7M | 7.7% |
| Australia | $4.3M | 7% |
| DR Congo | $3.6M | 5.8% |
| Eswatini | $1.8M | 2.9% |
| United States | $1.4M | 2.2% |
| Senegal | $1.2M | 1.9% |
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 4016: Articles of vulcanised rubber other than hard rubber, n.e.c. in chapter 40.
Common questions
What is the value of rubber articles imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported rubber articles worth $172.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 22.7 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 42nd of 225 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 8% on 2023.
Which countries supply rubber articles to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 17% of the value ($29.1 million), followed by the United States (14%) and Germany (12%). The top three together account for 43%, out of 131 supplier countries in total. China grew fastest among the top ten, up 25% on the year.
What is the average import price of rubber articles per kg?
The average declared import value was about $7.61 per kg in 2024, 27% below the world average of $10.37 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 rubber articles to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $158.1 million in 2017 to $172.3 million in 2024, an increase of 9%. The peak was 2022 at $192.7 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export rubber articles?
Yes. South Africa exported $61.4 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Botswana, Namibia and Zambia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $110.9 million a year.
What is the HS code for rubber articles?
The HS code for rubber articles is heading 4016. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 4016.93 (47% of the value) and 4016.99 (44%). It sits in HS chapter 40 (rubber and articles thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 4016 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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