Carbon and copy paper imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of carbon and copy paper by South Africa reached $17.9 million in 2024 (9.9 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 2%. Value rose 19% on 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
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $17.9M | 9.9K t |
| 2023 | $15.0M | 7.7K t |
| 2022 | $16.5M | 8.9K t |
| 2021 | $15.4M | 9.5K t |
| 2020 | $11.6M | 7.3K t |
| 2019 | $17.8M | 10.7K t |
| 2018 | $17.8M | 10.3K t |
| 2017 | $17.9M | 12.0K t |
Where South Africa imports carbon and copy paper from
Most of the value came from Indonesia (34%), Germany (25%), China (18%). Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+130% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Indonesia | $6.1M | 34% |
| Germany | $4.5M | 25% |
| China | $3.2M | 18% |
| Thailand | $2.2M | 13% |
| South Korea | $1.2M | 6.8% |
| Netherlands | $244K | 1.4% |
| India | $160K | 0.9% |
| Japan | $57K | 0.3% |
| United States | $56K | 0.3% |
| Malaysia | $38K | 0.2% |
Product types under HS 4809
| 4809.20 | Paper: self-copy paper, whether or not printed, in rolls or sheets | 77% |
| 4809.90 | Paper: carbon paper and other copying or transfer papers (including coated or impregnated paper for duplicator stencils or offset plates), whether or… | 23% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 4809.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.81 per kg, close to the world average of $1.81.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Carbon and copy paper exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported carbon and copy paper worth $3.3 million (1.7 thousand tonnes). Most of it went to Namibia (46%), Malawi (14%), Zambia (13%). Among the main buyer markets, Lesotho grew fastest (+523% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $1.5M | 46% |
| Malawi | $468K | 14% |
| Zambia | $445K | 14% |
| Mozambique | $344K | 10% |
| Zimbabwe | $212K | 6.4% |
| Lesotho | $168K | 5.1% |
| Botswana | $77K | 2.4% |
| Eswatini | $45K | 1.4% |
| Saint Helena | $13K | 0.4% |
| United States | $12K | 0.4% |
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 4809: Carbon paper, self copy paper, and other copying or transfer papers (including coated or impregnated paper for duplicator stencils or offset plates), whether or not printed, in rolls or sheets.
Common questions
What is the value of carbon and copy paper imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported carbon and copy paper worth $17.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 9.9 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 14th of 211 countries worldwide, with 2% of world imports. The value was up 19% on 2023.
Which countries supply carbon and copy paper to South Africa?
Indonesia was the largest supplier with 34% of the value ($6.1 million), followed by Germany (25%) and China (18%). The top three together account for 77%, out of 25 supplier countries in total. India grew fastest among the top ten, up 172% on the year.
What is the average import price of carbon and copy paper per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.81 per kg in 2024, close to the world average of $1.81 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 carbon and copy paper to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $17.9 million in 2017 to $17.9 million in 2024, a fall of 0%. The peak was 2017 at $17.9 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export carbon and copy paper?
Yes. South Africa exported $3.3 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Namibia, Malawi and Zambia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $14.6 million a year.
What is the HS code for carbon and copy paper?
The HS code for carbon and copy paper is heading 4809. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 4809.20 (77% of the value) and 4809.90 (23%). It sits in HS chapter 48 (paper and paperboard; articles of paper pulp, of paper or paperboard). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 4809 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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