Abrasive paper imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of abrasive paper by South Africa reached $12.2 million in 2024 (1.7 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is close to the 2023 level. 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 | $12.2M | 1.7K t |
| 2023 | $12.0M | 1.7K t |
| 2022 | $12.9M | 2.0K t |
| 2021 | $13.1M | 1.9K t |
| 2020 | $8.5M | 1.2K t |
| 2019 | $10.8M | 1.7K t |
| 2018 | $12.2M | 1.8K t |
| 2017 | $10.2M | 1.5K t |
Where South Africa imports abrasive paper from
The largest suppliers were China (28%), Finland (16%), Poland (15%). Among the main suppliers, Turkey grew fastest (+47% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $3.4M | 28% |
| Finland | $2.0M | 16% |
| Poland | $1.9M | 15% |
| Greece | $1.5M | 12% |
| Germany | $745K | 6.1% |
| South Korea | $719K | 5.9% |
| United States | $520K | 4.3% |
| Portugal | $411K | 3.4% |
| Italy | $401K | 3.3% |
| Turkey | $201K | 1.6% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $7.10 per kg, close to the world average of $8.20.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Abrasive paper exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $1.2 million of abrasive paper in 2024 (325 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Zimbabwe (21%), Namibia (20%), Mozambique (18%). Among the main buyer markets, Botswana grew fastest (+41% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $264K | 21% |
| Namibia | $253K | 20% |
| Mozambique | $223K | 18% |
| Botswana | $166K | 13% |
| Zambia | $91K | 7.3% |
| Eswatini | $57K | 4.6% |
| New Zealand | $43K | 3.5% |
| Poland | $26K | 2.1% |
| Lesotho | $21K | 1.7% |
| Angola | $21K | 1.7% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa abrasive paper imports (HS 6805.20): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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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 6805.20: Abrasive powder or grain: natural or artificial, on a base of paper or paperboard only, whether or not cut to shape or sewn or otherwise made up.
Common questions
What is the value of abrasive paper imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported abrasive paper worth $12.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.7 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 23rd of 219 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 2% on 2023.
Which countries supply abrasive paper to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 28% of the value ($3.4 million), followed by Finland (16%) and Poland (15%). The top three together account for 59%, out of 43 supplier countries in total. Turkey grew fastest among the top ten, up 47% on the year.
What is the average import price of abrasive paper per kg?
The average declared import value was about $7.10 per kg in 2024, 13% below the world average of $8.20 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of abrasive paper to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $10.2 million in 2017 to $12.2 million in 2024, an increase of 20%. The peak was 2021 at $13.1 million. Over 8 years the average was $11.5 million a year.
Does South Africa also export abrasive paper?
Yes. South Africa exported $1.2 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zimbabwe, Namibia and Mozambique. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $11.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for abrasive paper?
The HS code for abrasive paper is subheading 6805.20. It sits in HS chapter 68 (stone, plaster, cement, asbestos, mica or similar materials; articles thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 6805 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, so the companies shipping to and from it are visible. Ask for a live look at your product.
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