Carbon paper and transfer paper imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of carbon paper and transfer paper by South Africa reached $4.1 million in 2024 (2.0 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 3% less 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
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $4.1M | 2.0K t |
| 2023 | $4.2M | 1.8K t |
| 2022 | $3.9M | 1.3K t |
| 2021 | $3.2M | 1.4K t |
| 2020 | $3.0M | 1.4K t |
| 2019 | $4.7M | 2.0K t |
| 2018 | $4.5M | 1.7K t |
| 2017 | $3.8M | 1.8K t |
Where South Africa imports carbon paper and transfer paper from
China alone supplied 57% of it. Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+71% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $2.3M | 57% |
| South Korea | $1.2M | 30% |
| Netherlands | $145K | 3.5% |
| Indonesia | $84K | 2% |
| India | $80K | 1.9% |
| Germany | $68K | 1.7% |
| Japan | $57K | 1.4% |
| Malaysia | $38K | 0.9% |
| United States | $35K | 0.9% |
| Switzerland | $9K | 0.2% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.03 per kg, close to the world average of $1.80.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Carbon paper and transfer paper exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported carbon paper and transfer paper worth $828 thousand (304 tonnes). Namibia alone took 55% of it. Among the main buyer markets, Mozambique grew fastest (+111% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $452K | 55% |
| Mozambique | $82K | 10% |
| Botswana | $74K | 9% |
| Malawi | $49K | 5.9% |
| Zambia | $41K | 4.9% |
| Eswatini | $41K | 4.9% |
| Zimbabwe | $39K | 4.7% |
| Lesotho | $17K | 2% |
| Saint Helena | $12K | 1.5% |
| United States | $12K | 1.5% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa carbon paper and transfer paper imports (HS 4809.90): 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 4809.90: Paper: carbon 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 paper and transfer paper imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported carbon paper and transfer paper worth $4.1 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 2.0 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 33rd of 203 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was down 3% on 2023.
Which countries supply carbon paper and transfer paper to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 57% of the value ($2.3 million), followed by South Korea (30%) and the Netherlands (4%). The top three together account for 91%, out of 22 supplier countries in total. China grew fastest among the top ten, up 71% on the year.
What is the average import price of carbon paper and transfer paper per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.03 per kg in 2024, 13% above the world average of $1.80 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of carbon paper and transfer paper to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $3.8 million in 2017 to $4.1 million in 2024, an increase of 8%. The peak was 2019 at $4.7 million. Over 8 years the average was $3.9 million a year.
Does South Africa also export carbon paper and transfer paper?
Yes. South Africa exported $828 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Namibia, Mozambique and Botswana. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $3.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for carbon paper and transfer paper?
The HS code for carbon paper and transfer paper is subheading 4809.90. 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?
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 carbon paper and transfer paper trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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