Urea-formaldehyde resins imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of urea-formaldehyde resins by South Africa reached $2.8 million in 2024 (1.3 thousand tonnes). That is 17% 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 | $2.8M | 1.3K t |
| 2023 | $2.4M | 804 t |
| 2022 | $3.2M | 986 t |
| 2021 | $2.9M | 1.1K t |
| 2020 | $1.9M | 1.2K t |
| 2019 | $2.4M | 1.1K t |
| 2018 | $2.0M | 920 t |
| 2017 | $2.1M | 1.4K t |
Where South Africa imports urea-formaldehyde resins from
The largest suppliers were Turkey (19%), Germany (18%), China (15%). Among the main suppliers, United States grew fastest (+185% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Turkey | $528K | 19% |
| Germany | $498K | 18% |
| China | $430K | 15% |
| United Kingdom | $264K | 9.5% |
| Italy | $226K | 8.1% |
| Sweden | $203K | 7.3% |
| Saudi Arabia | $195K | 7% |
| Singapore | $195K | 7% |
| Spain | $140K | 5% |
| United States | $50K | 1.8% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.15 per kg, 236% above the world average of $0.64. 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.
Urea-formaldehyde resins exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported urea-formaldehyde resins worth $1.9 million (3.2 thousand tonnes). One buyer market dominates: Zambia accounted for 65% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, Senegal grew fastest (+349% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zambia | $1.2M | 65% |
| Zimbabwe | $173K | 9% |
| Senegal | $141K | 7.3% |
| DR Congo | $94K | 4.9% |
| Namibia | $51K | 2.7% |
| Botswana | $47K | 2.4% |
| Tanzania | $35K | 1.8% |
| Angola | $35K | 1.8% |
| Papua New Guinea | $27K | 1.4% |
| Indonesia | $25K | 1.3% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa urea-formaldehyde resins imports (HS 3909.10): 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 3909.10: Amino-resins: urea and thiourea resins, in primary forms.
Common questions
What is the value of urea-formaldehyde resins imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported urea-formaldehyde resins worth $2.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.3 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 58th of 169 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 17% on 2023.
Which countries supply urea-formaldehyde resins to South Africa?
Turkey was the largest supplier with 19% of the value ($528 thousand), followed by Germany (18%) and China (15%). The top three together account for 52%, out of 17 supplier countries in total. The United States grew fastest among the top ten, up 185% on the year.
What is the average import price of urea-formaldehyde resins per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.15 per kg in 2024, 236% above the world average of $0.64 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of urea-formaldehyde resins to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $2.1 million in 2017 to $2.8 million in 2024, an increase of 35%. The peak was 2022 at $3.2 million. Over 8 years the average was $2.5 million a year.
Does South Africa also export urea-formaldehyde resins?
Yes. South Africa exported $1.9 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zambia, Zimbabwe and Senegal. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $862 thousand a year.
What is the HS code for urea-formaldehyde resins?
The HS code for urea-formaldehyde resins is subheading 3909.10. It sits in HS chapter 39 (plastics and articles thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3909 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
World urea-formaldehyde resins trade: top importers and exporters
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