Rubber rod exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of rubber rod by South Africa reached $2.3 million in 2024 (890 tonnes). That is close to the 2023 level. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2018, at $3.0 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $2.3M | 890 t |
| 2023 | $2.3M | 824 t |
| 2022 | $2.3M | 841 t |
| 2021 | $1.9M | 695 t |
| 2020 | $1.9M | 692 t |
| 2019 | $2.5M | 1.0K t |
| 2018 | $3.0M | 1.2K t |
| 2017 | $2.0M | 1.4K t |
Where South Africa exports rubber rod to
Most of it went to Zimbabwe (25%), Zambia (15%), Namibia (12%). Among the main buyer markets, Namibia grew fastest (+230% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $580K | 25% |
| Zambia | $349K | 15% |
| Namibia | $286K | 12% |
| Tanzania | $208K | 8.9% |
| Botswana | $176K | 7.5% |
| Kenya | $137K | 5.9% |
| Malawi | $130K | 5.6% |
| Mozambique | $129K | 5.5% |
| Egypt | $48K | 2.1% |
| Madagascar | $44K | 1.9% |
Product types under HS 4006
| 4006.90 | Rubber: unvulcanised, other than camel back strips for retreading rubber tyres | 75% |
| 4006.10 | Rubber: unvulcanised, camel-back strips for retreading rubber tyres | 25% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 4006.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.62 per kg, 48% below the world average of $5.07, 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 rod imports to South Africa
Imports of rubber rod by South Africa reached $1.0 million in 2024 (115 tonnes). Most of the value came from United Kingdom (16%), India (16%), Thailand (14%). Trade is spread widely: the top three suppliers together make up only 47%. Among the main suppliers, United Kingdom grew fastest (+285% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | $166K | 16% |
| India | $166K | 16% |
| Thailand | $146K | 14% |
| China | $99K | 9.8% |
| Brazil | $99K | 9.7% |
| France | $82K | 8% |
| Germany | $77K | 7.6% |
| United States | $67K | 6.6% |
| Czech Republic | $26K | 2.6% |
| Namibia | $21K | 2.1% |
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 4006: Unvulcanised rubber in other forms (e.g. rods, tubes and profile shapes) and articles (e.g. discs and rings).
Common questions
What is the value of rubber rod exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported rubber rod worth $2.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 890 tonnes. That ranks it 29th of 120 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was up 0% on 2023.
Which countries buy rubber rod from South Africa?
Zimbabwe was the largest buyer with 25% of the value ($580 thousand), followed by Zambia (15%) and Namibia (12%). The top three together account for 52%, out of 38 buyer countries in total. Namibia grew fastest among the top ten, up 230% on the year.
What is the average export price of rubber rod per kg?
The average declared export value was about $2.62 per kg in 2024, 48% below the world average of $5.07 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 exports of rubber rod from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $2.0 million in 2017 to $2.3 million in 2024, an increase of 15%. The peak was 2018 at $3.0 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import rubber rod?
Yes. South Africa imported $1.0 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from the United Kingdom, India and Thailand. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $1.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for rubber rod?
The HS code for rubber rod is heading 4006. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 4006.90 (75% of the value) and 4006.10 (25%). It sits in HS chapter 40 (rubber and articles thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 4006 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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