Rubber plasticizers imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported rubber plasticizers worth $9.3 million (5.0 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value rose 3% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 9% a year on average.
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 | $9.3M | 5.0K t |
| 2023 | $9.0M | 4.9K t |
| 2022 | $10.7M | 8.8K t |
| 2021 | $10.1M | 5.7K t |
| 2020 | $6.5M | 4.5K t |
| 2019 | $6.8M | 4.5K t |
| 2018 | $6.7M | 3.7K t |
| 2017 | $5.0M | 3.1K t |
Where South Africa imports rubber plasticizers from
The largest suppliers were Argentina (28%), India (22%), China (19%). Among the main suppliers, India grew fastest (+209% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Argentina | $2.6M | 28% |
| India | $2.1M | 22% |
| China | $1.8M | 19% |
| Germany | $788K | 8.5% |
| United States | $602K | 6.5% |
| Brazil | $402K | 4.3% |
| Saudi Arabia | $194K | 2.1% |
| Thailand | $169K | 1.8% |
| United Kingdom | $159K | 1.7% |
| Netherlands | $141K | 1.5% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.86 per kg, 28% below the world average of $2.57, 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 plasticizers exports from South Africa
Exports of rubber plasticizers by South Africa reached $253 thousand in 2024 (68 tonnes). One buyer market dominates: Zimbabwe accounted for 70% of the value.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $176K | 70% |
| Zambia | $42K | 17% |
| Botswana | $14K | 5.5% |
| Poland | $7K | 2.7% |
| Israel | $6K | 2.4% |
| Mozambique | $4K | 1.7% |
| DR Congo | $2K | 0.8% |
| Mauritius | $1K | 0.3% |
| Namibia | $1K | 0.3% |
| Lesotho | $1K | 0.3% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa rubber plasticizers imports (HS 3812.20): 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 3812.20: Plasticisers, compound: for rubber or plastics.
Common questions
What is the value of rubber plasticizers imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported rubber plasticizers worth $9.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 5.0 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 24th of 165 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 3% on 2023.
Which countries supply rubber plasticizers to South Africa?
Argentina was the largest supplier with 28% of the value ($2.6 million), followed by India (22%) and China (19%). The top three together account for 69%, out of 22 supplier countries in total. India grew fastest among the top ten, up 209% on the year.
What is the average import price of rubber plasticizers per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.86 per kg in 2024, 28% below the world average of $2.57 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of rubber plasticizers to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $5.0 million in 2017 to $9.3 million in 2024, an increase of 84%. The peak was 2022 at $10.7 million. Over 8 years the average was $8.0 million a year.
Does South Africa also export rubber plasticizers?
Yes. South Africa exported $253 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $9.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for rubber plasticizers?
The HS code for rubber plasticizers is subheading 3812.20. It sits in HS chapter 38 (chemical products n.e.c.). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3812 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 rubber plasticizers trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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