Rubber sheets imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $11.7 million of rubber sheets in 2024 (2.2 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value rose 31% 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 | $11.7M | 2.2K t |
| 2023 | $9.0M | 1.8K t |
| 2022 | $14.0M | 2.0K t |
| 2021 | $8.7M | 1.8K t |
| 2020 | $7.8M | 1.6K t |
| 2019 | $8.3M | 1.7K t |
| 2018 | $10.8M | 2.3K t |
| 2017 | $10.6M | 2.0K t |
Where South Africa imports rubber sheets from
Most of the value came from Malaysia (29%), China (19%), Germany (15%). Among the main suppliers, Hungary grew fastest (+346% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Malaysia | $3.4M | 29% |
| China | $2.3M | 19% |
| Germany | $1.8M | 15% |
| India | $978K | 8.3% |
| Italy | $666K | 5.7% |
| Belgium | $516K | 4.4% |
| Slovenia | $495K | 4.2% |
| Brazil | $380K | 3.2% |
| United States | $320K | 2.7% |
| Hungary | $206K | 1.8% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $5.40 per kg, 22% above the world average of $4.44. This usually points to higher-grade or processed goods.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Rubber sheets exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported rubber sheets worth $3.1 million (481 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Botswana (18%), Namibia (13%), Canada (12%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 43%. Among the main buyer markets, Tanzania grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Botswana | $564K | 18% |
| Namibia | $419K | 13% |
| Canada | $367K | 12% |
| Zimbabwe | $335K | 11% |
| Mozambique | $292K | 9.3% |
| Tanzania | $223K | 7.1% |
| Australia | $209K | 6.7% |
| Brazil | $179K | 5.7% |
| Zambia | $102K | 3.2% |
| Italy | $49K | 1.6% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa rubber sheets imports (HS 4008.21): 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 4008.21: Rubber: vulcanised (other than hard rubber), in plates, sheets and strip, of non-cellular rubber.
Common questions
What is the value of rubber sheets imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported rubber sheets worth $11.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 2.2 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 40th of 211 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 31% on 2023.
Which countries supply rubber sheets to South Africa?
Malaysia was the largest supplier with 29% of the value ($3.4 million), followed by China (19%) and Germany (15%). The top three together account for 64%, out of 42 supplier countries in total. Hungary grew fastest among the top ten, up 346% on the year.
What is the average import price of rubber sheets per kg?
The average declared import value was about $5.40 per kg in 2024, 22% above the world average of $4.44 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of rubber sheets to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $10.6 million in 2017 to $11.7 million in 2024, an increase of 11%. The peak was 2022 at $14.0 million. Over 8 years the average was $10.1 million a year.
Does South Africa also export rubber sheets?
Yes. South Africa exported $3.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Botswana, Namibia and Canada. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $8.6 million a year.
What is the HS code for rubber sheets?
The HS code for rubber sheets is subheading 4008.21. It sits in HS chapter 40 (rubber and articles thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 4008 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
For South Africa, EximDataX reads the shipment records of the countries that trade with it and shows the companies on both sides. We can walk you through your product on a short call.
Same product, other countries
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