Chemical wood pulp exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, South Africa exported chemical wood pulp worth $1.06 billion (1.18 million tonnes). It ranks 2nd of 53 countries for exports of this product. 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 .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $1.06B | 1.18M t |
| 2023 | $1.04B | 1.06M t |
| 2022 | $967.4M | 895.5K t |
| 2021 | $730.7M | 827.0K t |
| 2020 | $677.7M | 758.1K t |
| 2019 | $629.2M | 749.0K t |
| 2018 | $755.4M | 901.5K t |
| 2017 | $776.5M | 917.2K t |
Where South Africa exports chemical wood pulp to
The largest buyer markets were India (50%), China (27%), Mozambique (4%). Among the main buyer markets, Mozambique grew fastest (+95% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $523.5M | 50% |
| China | $289.5M | 27% |
| Mozambique | $43.1M | 4.1% |
| Thailand | $32.9M | 3.1% |
| United Kingdom | $28.2M | 2.7% |
| United States | $26.5M | 2.5% |
| Ireland | $23.1M | 2.2% |
| Netherlands | $21.4M | 2% |
| Turkey | $19.9M | 1.9% |
| Indonesia | $17.1M | 1.6% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.89 per kg, 20% above the world average of $0.74. This usually points to higher-grade or processed goods.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
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 4702: Chemical wood pulp, dissolving grades.
Common questions
What is the value of chemical wood pulp exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported chemical wood pulp worth $1.06 billion in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.18 million tonnes. That ranks it 2nd of 53 countries worldwide, with 15% of world exports. The value was up 1% on 2023.
Which countries buy chemical wood pulp from South Africa?
India was the largest buyer with 50% of the value ($523.5 million), followed by China (27%) and Mozambique (4%). The top three together account for 81%, out of 23 buyer countries in total. Turkey grew fastest among the top ten, up 324% on the year.
What is the average export price of chemical wood pulp per kg?
The average declared export value was about $0.89 per kg in 2024, 20% above the world average of $0.74 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 exports of chemical wood pulp from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $776.5 million in 2017 to $1.06 billion in 2024, an increase of 36%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
What is the HS code for chemical wood pulp?
The HS code for chemical wood pulp is heading 4702. In South Africa all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 4702.00. It sits in HS chapter 47 (pulp of wood or other fibrous cellulosic material; recovered (waste and scrap) paper or paperboard). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 4702 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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