The import of ethylene to South Africa has shown considerable fluctuation over the past years. In 2023, the import stood at 5.83 thousand USD, continuing a general downward trend. From 2018 to 2023, the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) was -11.75%, indicating a steady decline. Notable year-on-year variations were a decrease of -6.33% in 2022 followed by a further dip of -12.13% in 2023.

From 2024 onward, forecasts show a continuation of this declining trend with projected imports of 4.92 thousand USD in 2024 down to 1.6 thousand USD by 2028. Over the five-year forecast period, the CAGR is projected to be -20.08%, resulting in a significant reduction of -67.4% in ethylene imports.

Future trends to watch for:

Influence of local production capacities on import demand.
Government policies and international trade agreements affecting import dynamics.
Technological advancements and shifts in industry demand for ethylene.