Silicone resin imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $24.1 million of silicone resin in 2024 (5.7 thousand tonnes). That is 11% 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 | $24.1M | 5.7K t |
| 2023 | $21.7M | 4.3K t |
| 2022 | $27.3M | 4.4K t |
| 2021 | $21.1M | 4.6K t |
| 2020 | $17.4M | 3.8K t |
| 2019 | $21.9M | 5.3K t |
| 2018 | $25.7M | 5.7K t |
| 2017 | $19.8M | 5.2K t |
Where South Africa imports silicone resin from
Most of the value came from Germany (35%), China (25%), United States (11%). Among the main suppliers, Malaysia grew fastest (+66% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $8.4M | 35% |
| China | $5.9M | 25% |
| United States | $2.6M | 11% |
| Belgium | $1.4M | 5.8% |
| Malaysia | $1.2M | 5% |
| Netherlands | $946K | 3.9% |
| Italy | $905K | 3.8% |
| United Kingdom | $704K | 2.9% |
| India | $515K | 2.1% |
| France | $268K | 1.1% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $4.21 per kg, 23% below the world average of $5.49, 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.
Silicone resin exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $4.4 million of silicone resin in 2024 (1.3 thousand tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Zimbabwe (26%), Namibia (24%), Botswana (9%). Among the main buyer markets, Ghana grew fastest (+511% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $1.2M | 26% |
| Namibia | $1.1M | 25% |
| Botswana | $415K | 9.5% |
| Zambia | $321K | 7.3% |
| Eswatini | $223K | 5.1% |
| Kenya | $192K | 4.4% |
| Mozambique | $175K | 4% |
| Lesotho | $155K | 3.5% |
| United Kingdom | $96K | 2.2% |
| Ghana | $82K | 1.9% |
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 3910: Silicones in primary forms.
Common questions
What is the value of silicone resin imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported silicone resin worth $24.1 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 5.7 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 46th of 217 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 11% on 2023.
Which countries supply silicone resin to South Africa?
Germany was the largest supplier with 35% of the value ($8.4 million), followed by China (25%) and the United States (11%). The top three together account for 70%, out of 56 supplier countries in total. France grew fastest among the top ten, up 73% on the year.
What is the average import price of silicone resin per kg?
The average declared import value was about $4.21 per kg in 2024, 23% below the world average of $5.49 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 silicone resin to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $19.8 million in 2017 to $24.1 million in 2024, an increase of 22%. The peak was 2022 at $27.3 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export silicone resin?
Yes. South Africa exported $4.4 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zimbabwe, Namibia and Botswana. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $19.7 million a year.
What is the HS code for silicone resin?
The HS code for silicone resin is heading 3910. In South Africa all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 3910.00. It sits in HS chapter 39 (plastics and articles thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3910 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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