Starch adhesive exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of starch adhesive by South Africa reached $5.0 million in 2024 (3.6 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. The value was almost unchanged from 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 9% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2021, at $6.5 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 | $5.0M | 3.6K t |
| 2023 | $4.9M | 3.8K t |
| 2022 | $5.9M | 4.0K t |
| 2021 | $6.5M | 4.8K t |
| 2020 | $4.0M | 4.4K t |
| 2019 | $3.2M | 5.1K t |
| 2018 | $2.8M | 3.8K t |
| 2017 | $2.7M | 3.2K t |
Where South Africa exports starch adhesive to
Most of it went to Eswatini (47%), Zimbabwe (18%), Indonesia (13%). Among the main buyer markets, Indonesia grew fastest (+80% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Eswatini | $2.3M | 47% |
| Zimbabwe | $875K | 18% |
| Indonesia | $650K | 13% |
| Botswana | $320K | 6.4% |
| Mozambique | $215K | 4.3% |
| Zambia | $155K | 3.1% |
| Malawi | $82K | 1.7% |
| United Arab Emirates | $74K | 1.5% |
| Saudi Arabia | $54K | 1.1% |
| Namibia | $53K | 1.1% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.40 per kg, 33% above the world average of $1.05. 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.
Starch adhesive imports to South Africa
South Africa imported $1.8 million of starch adhesive in 2024 (1.8 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Germany alone supplied 66% of it. Among the main suppliers, Germany grew fastest (+535% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $1.2M | 66% |
| Netherlands | $185K | 10% |
| Kenya | $162K | 9% |
| China | $157K | 8.7% |
| Sweden | $31K | 1.7% |
| United States | $21K | 1.2% |
| Spain | $16K | 0.9% |
| Italy | $15K | 0.8% |
| Thailand | $7K | 0.4% |
| Turkey | $4K | 0.2% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa starch adhesive exports (HS 3505.20): 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 3505.20: Glues: based on starches, or on dextrins or other modified starches.
Common questions
What is the value of starch adhesive exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported starch adhesive worth $5.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 3.6 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 19th of 127 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was up 1% on 2023.
Which countries buy starch adhesive from South Africa?
Eswatini was the largest buyer with 47% of the value ($2.3 million), followed by Zimbabwe (18%) and Indonesia (13%). The top three together account for 78%, out of 33 buyer countries in total. Indonesia grew fastest among the top ten, up 80% on the year.
What is the average export price of starch adhesive per kg?
The average declared export value was about $1.40 per kg in 2024, 33% above the world average of $1.05 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have exports of starch adhesive from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $2.7 million in 2017 to $5.0 million in 2024, an increase of 83%. The peak was 2021 at $6.5 million. Over 8 years the average was $4.4 million a year.
Does South Africa also import starch adhesive?
Yes. South Africa imported $1.8 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Germany, the Netherlands and Kenya. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $3.2 million a year.
What is the HS code for starch adhesive?
The HS code for starch adhesive is subheading 3505.20. It sits in HS chapter 35 (albuminoidal substances; modified starches; glues; enzymes). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3505 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
The totals here are public statistics; EximDataX adds the company names by reading partner countries' customs records for South Africa. Tell us your product to see it live.
Same product, other countries
More trade data for South Africa
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