Rubber compound imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of rubber compound by South Africa reached $8.3 million in 2024 (2.5 thousand tonnes). That is 30% less than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2022, at $13.5 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 | $8.3M | 2.5K t |
| 2023 | $11.9M | 3.3K t |
| 2022 | $13.5M | 3.5K t |
| 2021 | $10.0M | 3.2K t |
| 2020 | $6.7M | 2.5K t |
| 2019 | $9.6M | 3.4K t |
| 2018 | $7.5M | 2.5K t |
| 2017 | $7.8M | 2.7K t |
Where South Africa imports rubber compound from
Most of the value came from India (28%), United Kingdom (23%), Germany (14%). Among the main suppliers, United States grew fastest (+50% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $2.3M | 28% |
| United Kingdom | $1.9M | 23% |
| Germany | $1.2M | 14% |
| United States | $840K | 10% |
| China | $454K | 5.5% |
| Turkey | $323K | 3.9% |
| Belgium | $258K | 3.1% |
| Brazil | $258K | 3.1% |
| Italy | $233K | 2.8% |
| Netherlands | $156K | 1.9% |
Product types under HS 4005
| 4005.99 | Rubber: unvulcanised, (compounded other than with carbon black or silica), in primary forms, (other than plates, sheets, strip, solutions or… | 35% |
| 4005.10 | Rubber: unvulcanised, compounded with carbon black or silica, in primary forms or in plates, sheets or strip | 33% |
| 4005.91 | Rubber: unvulcanised, (compounded other than with carbon black or silica), in plates, sheets and strip | 28% |
| 4005.20 | Rubber: unvulcanised, compounded, solutions and dispersions other than those of item no. 4005.10 | 4% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 4005.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $3.37 per kg, close to the world average of $3.36.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Rubber compound exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $5.5 million of rubber compound in 2024 (1.4 thousand tonnes). Most of it went to Zambia (16%), Namibia (13%), Botswana (10%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 39%. Among the main buyer markets, Sierra Leone grew fastest (+604% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zambia | $871K | 16% |
| Namibia | $701K | 13% |
| Botswana | $547K | 10% |
| Zimbabwe | $426K | 7.7% |
| Liberia | $421K | 7.7% |
| Sierra Leone | $408K | 7.4% |
| Mozambique | $302K | 5.5% |
| Australia | $296K | 5.4% |
| Ghana | $278K | 5.1% |
| Eswatini | $171K | 3.1% |
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 4005: Compounded rubber, unvulcanised, in primary forms or in plates, sheets or strip.
Common questions
What is the value of rubber compound imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported rubber compound worth $8.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 2.5 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 60th of 195 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 30% on 2023.
Which countries supply rubber compound to South Africa?
India was the largest supplier with 28% of the value ($2.3 million), followed by the United Kingdom (23%) and Germany (14%). The top three together account for 64%, out of 33 supplier countries in total. The United States grew fastest among the top ten, up 50% on the year.
What is the average import price of rubber compound per kg?
The average declared import value was about $3.37 per kg in 2024, close to the world average of $3.36 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 compound to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $7.8 million in 2017 to $8.3 million in 2024, an increase of 6%. The peak was 2022 at $13.5 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export rubber compound?
Yes. South Africa exported $5.5 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zambia, Namibia and Botswana. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $2.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for rubber compound?
The HS code for rubber compound is heading 4005. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 4005.99 (35% of the value) and 4005.10 (33%). It sits in HS chapter 40 (rubber and articles thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 4005 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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