Vinyl polymer imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported vinyl polymer worth $31.0 million (13.2 thousand tonnes). Value rose 10% on 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2022, at $39.1 million.
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 | $31.0M | 13.2K t |
| 2023 | $28.2M | 10.8K t |
| 2022 | $39.1M | 12.5K t |
| 2021 | $30.7M | 12.6K t |
| 2020 | $21.1M | 10.5K t |
| 2019 | $25.3M | 12.6K t |
| 2018 | $26.7M | 12.1K t |
| 2017 | $22.7M | 10.8K t |
Where South Africa imports vinyl polymer from
Most of the value came from Germany (31%), China (27%), South Korea (15%). Among the main suppliers, Japan grew fastest (+732% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $9.6M | 31% |
| China | $8.3M | 27% |
| South Korea | $4.8M | 16% |
| United States | $2.1M | 6.6% |
| Taiwan | $1.5M | 4.9% |
| Belgium | $901K | 2.9% |
| Italy | $830K | 2.7% |
| Japan | $692K | 2.2% |
| Netherlands | $560K | 1.8% |
| Singapore | $447K | 1.4% |
Product types under HS 3905
| 3905.29 | Vinyl acetate copolymers: (other than in aqueous dispersion), in primary forms | 32% |
| 3905.99 | Vinyl acetate, vinyl ester polymers, vinyl polymers: n.e.c. in heading no. 3905, in primary forms, other than copolymers | 27% |
| 3905.21 | Vinyl acetate copolymers: in aqueous dispersion, in primary forms | 17% |
| 3905.30 | Poly(vinyl alcohol): whether or not containing unhydrolysed acetate groups | 12% |
| 3905.91 | Vinyl acetate, vinyl ester polymers, vinyl polymers: n.e.c. in heading no. 3905, in primary forms, copolymers | 7.4% |
| 3905.12 | Poly(vinyl acetate): in aqueous dispersion, in primary forms | 3% |
| 3905.19 | Poly(vinyl acetate): (other than in aqueous dispersion), in primary forms | 2% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 3905.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.35 per kg, close to the world average of $2.77.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Vinyl polymer exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported vinyl polymer worth $3.7 million (2.1 thousand tonnes). Most of it went to Botswana (35%), Zambia (19%), Zimbabwe (15%). Among the main buyer markets, Nigeria grew fastest (+334% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Botswana | $1.3M | 35% |
| Zambia | $708K | 19% |
| Zimbabwe | $549K | 15% |
| Nigeria | $266K | 7.2% |
| Namibia | $204K | 5.5% |
| Mozambique | $163K | 4.4% |
| Malawi | $122K | 3.3% |
| Angola | $95K | 2.6% |
| Mauritius | $57K | 1.5% |
| Tanzania | $51K | 1.4% |
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 3905: Polymers of vinyl acetate or of other vinyl esters, in primary forms; other vinyl polymers in primary forms.
Common questions
What is the value of vinyl polymer imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported vinyl polymer worth $31.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 13.2 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 43rd of 202 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 10% on 2023.
Which countries supply vinyl polymer to South Africa?
Germany was the largest supplier with 31% of the value ($9.6 million), followed by China (27%) and South Korea (15%). The top three together account for 73%, out of 31 supplier countries in total. Japan grew fastest among the top ten, up 732% on the year.
What is the average import price of vinyl polymer per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.35 per kg in 2024, 15% below the world average of $2.77 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 vinyl polymer to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $22.7 million in 2017 to $31.0 million in 2024, an increase of 37%. The peak was 2022 at $39.1 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export vinyl polymer?
Yes. South Africa exported $3.7 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $27.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for vinyl polymer?
The HS code for vinyl polymer is heading 3905. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 3905.29 (32% of the value) and 3905.99 (27%). It sits in HS chapter 39 (plastics and articles thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3905 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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