Self-adhesive film imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported self-adhesive film worth $159.5 million (41.3 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 12% more than in 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 | $159.5M | 41.3K t |
| 2023 | $142.7M | 33.8K t |
| 2022 | $161.4M | 35.7K t |
| 2021 | $162.2M | 34.3K t |
| 2020 | $115.7M | 29.1K t |
| 2019 | $161.9M | 33.4K t |
| 2018 | $159.2M | 31.4K t |
| 2017 | $156.7M | 31.4K t |
Where South Africa imports self-adhesive film from
The largest suppliers were China (26%), Germany (23%), United States (7%). Among the main suppliers, Thailand grew fastest (+332% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $41.0M | 26% |
| Germany | $36.4M | 23% |
| United States | $12.0M | 7.5% |
| Italy | $7.5M | 4.7% |
| Belgium | $7.4M | 4.6% |
| Taiwan | $6.8M | 4.3% |
| India | $6.5M | 4.1% |
| United Kingdom | $5.9M | 3.7% |
| Thailand | $5.0M | 3.2% |
| France | $4.9M | 3.1% |
Product types under HS 3919
| 3919.90 | Plastics: plates, sheets, film, foil, tape, strip, other flat shapes thereof, self-adhesive, other than in rolls of a width not exceeding 20cm | 77% |
| 3919.10 | Plastics: plates, sheets, film, foil, tape, strip, other flat shapes thereof, self-adhesive, in rolls of a width not exceeding 20cm | 23% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 3919.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $3.86 per kg, 43% below the world average of $6.73, 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.
Self-adhesive film exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported self-adhesive film worth $23.5 million (5.5 thousand tonnes). Most of it went to Namibia (21%), Botswana (17%), Eswatini (11%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 49%. Among the main buyer markets, Namibia grew fastest (+62% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $4.9M | 21% |
| Botswana | $4.0M | 17% |
| Eswatini | $2.7M | 11% |
| Zimbabwe | $2.4M | 10% |
| Zambia | $1.9M | 8.3% |
| Mozambique | $1.9M | 8% |
| Lesotho | $1.4M | 6.1% |
| DR Congo | $896K | 3.8% |
| Malawi | $630K | 2.7% |
| Angola | $430K | 1.8% |
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 3919: Self-adhesive plates, sheets, film, foil, tape, strip and other flat shapes, of plastics, whether or not in rolls.
Common questions
What is the value of self-adhesive film imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported self-adhesive film worth $159.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 41.3 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 37th of 225 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 12% on 2023.
Which countries supply self-adhesive film to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 26% of the value ($41.0 million), followed by Germany (23%) and the United States (7%). The top three together account for 56%, out of 90 supplier countries in total. Thailand grew fastest among the top ten, up 332% on the year.
What is the average import price of self-adhesive film per kg?
The average declared import value was about $3.86 per kg in 2024, 43% below the world average of $6.73 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 self-adhesive film to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $156.7 million in 2017 to $159.5 million in 2024, an increase of 2%. The peak was 2021 at $162.2 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export self-adhesive film?
Yes. South Africa exported $23.5 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Namibia, Botswana and Eswatini. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $136.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for self-adhesive film?
The HS code for self-adhesive film is heading 3919. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 3919.90 (77% of the value) and 3919.10 (23%). It sits in HS chapter 39 (plastics and articles thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3919 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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