South Africa: Flat Glass Market 2025

Flat Glass Market Size in South Africa

In 2021, the South African flat glass market increased by 3.1% to $X for the first time since 2018, thus ending a two-year declining trend. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +2.3% over the period from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. As a result, consumption attained the peak level of $X. From 2019 to 2021, the growth of the market remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Flat Glass Production in South Africa

In value terms, flat glass production reached $X in 2021 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +2.0% over the period from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 with an increase of 31%. As a result, production reached the peak level of $X. From 2019 to 2021, production growth failed to regain momentum.

Flat Glass Exports

Exports from South Africa

In 2021, overseas shipments of flat glass increased by 46% to X tons for the first time since 2014, thus ending a six-year declining trend. Overall, exports, however, showed a perceptible contraction. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at X tons in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, flat glass exports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, exports, however, saw a pronounced slump. Over the period under review, the exports attained the peak figure at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

Zimbabwe (X tons) was the main destination for flat glass exports from South Africa, accounting for a 37% share of total exports. Moreover, flat glass exports to Zimbabwe exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Mozambique (X tons), twofold. Botswana (X tons) ranked third in terms of total exports with a 14% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume to Zimbabwe amounted to +4.0%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Mozambique (+7.4% per year) and Botswana (+3.5% per year).

In value terms, Zimbabwe ($X) remains the key foreign market for flat glass exports from South Africa, comprising 33% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Botswana ($X), with a 16% share of total exports. It was followed by Mozambique, with a 13% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to Zimbabwe totaled +4.5%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Botswana (+5.2% per year) and Mozambique (+5.9% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the average flat glass export price amounted to $X per ton, shrinking by -4.9% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price continues to indicate a slight slump. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 an increase of 30%. Over the period under review, the average export prices hit record highs at $X per ton in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

Prices varied noticeably country of destination: the country with the highest price was Brazil ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Mozambique ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Brazil (+8.2%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Flat Glass Imports

Imports into South Africa

In 2021, overseas purchases of flat glass increased by 51% to X tons for the first time since 2017, thus ending a three-year declining trend. In general, imports, however, continue to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at X tons in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, flat glass imports soared to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, total imports indicated mild growth from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +1.2% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, imports decreased by -28.7% against 2017 indices. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at $X in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

China (X tons), Germany (X tons) and the UK (X tons) were the main suppliers of flat glass imports to South Africa, together comprising 47% of total imports. India, Thailand, Belgium, the United Arab Emirates, the United States and Saudi Arabia lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 43%.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the main suppliers, was attained by Thailand (with a CAGR of +63.9%), while imports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest flat glass suppliers to South Africa were China ($X), Germany ($X) and India ($X), together accounting for 47% of total imports. These countries were followed by Belgium, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, the UK, the United States and Saudi Arabia, which together accounted for a further 40%.

Thailand, with a CAGR of +70.2%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of imports, in terms of the main suppliers over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

The average flat glass import price stood at $X per ton in 2021, rising by 7.7% against the previous year. Over the last nine-year period, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.7%. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2020 when the average import price increased by 8.1%. The import price peaked in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in the near future.

Prices varied noticeably country of origin: the country with the highest price was Saudi Arabia ($X per ton), while the price for the UK ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the United Arab Emirates (+7.3%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :