Vinyl polymers (other) imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of vinyl polymers (other) by South Africa reached $8.4 million in 2024 (920 tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 4% 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
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Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $8.4M | 920 t |
| 2023 | $8.1M | 952 t |
| 2022 | $8.1M | 834 t |
| 2021 | $7.2M | 1.2K t |
| 2020 | $5.1M | 858 t |
| 2019 | $5.6M | 1.1K t |
| 2018 | $6.4M | 1.2K t |
| 2017 | $5.6M | 1.2K t |
Where South Africa imports vinyl polymers (other) from
Most of the value came from China (36%), Germany (20%), United States (17%). Among the main suppliers, United Arab Emirates grew fastest (+118% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $3.0M | 36% |
| Germany | $1.6M | 20% |
| United States | $1.5M | 18% |
| Taiwan | $988K | 12% |
| United Arab Emirates | $428K | 5.1% |
| Italy | $336K | 4% |
| India | $304K | 3.6% |
| France | $98K | 1.2% |
| Netherlands | $79K | 0.9% |
| United Kingdom | $23K | 0.3% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $9.15 per kg, 49% above the world average of $6.16. 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.
Vinyl polymers (other) exports from South Africa
Exports of vinyl polymers (other) by South Africa reached $1.1 million in 2024 (798 tonnes). Most of it went to Botswana (22%), Zambia (20%), Zimbabwe (20%). Among the main buyer markets, Malawi grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Botswana | $237K | 22% |
| Zambia | $219K | 20% |
| Zimbabwe | $218K | 20% |
| Nigeria | $182K | 17% |
| Namibia | $48K | 4.5% |
| Mozambique | $41K | 3.8% |
| DR Congo | $38K | 3.5% |
| Malawi | $31K | 2.8% |
| Eswatini | $27K | 2.5% |
| Lesotho | $10K | 0.9% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa vinyl polymers (other) imports (HS 3905.99): 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 3905.99: Vinyl acetate, vinyl ester polymers, vinyl polymers: n.e.c. in heading no. 3905, in primary forms, other than copolymers.
Common questions
What is the value of vinyl polymers (other) imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported vinyl polymers (other) worth $8.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 920 tonnes. That ranks it 32nd of 189 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 4% on 2023.
Which countries supply vinyl polymers (other) to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 36% of the value ($3.0 million), followed by Germany (20%) and the United States (17%). The top three together account for 73%, out of 15 supplier countries in total. France grew fastest among the top ten, up 268% on the year.
What is the average import price of vinyl polymers (other) per kg?
The average declared import value was about $9.15 per kg in 2024, 49% above the world average of $6.16 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of vinyl polymers (other) to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $5.6 million in 2017 to $8.4 million in 2024, an increase of 50%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $6.8 million a year.
Does South Africa also export vinyl polymers (other)?
Yes. South Africa exported $1.1 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 $7.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for vinyl polymers (other)?
The HS code for vinyl polymers (other) is subheading 3905.99. 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?
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 vinyl polymers (other) trade: top importers and exporters
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