Children's picture books imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported children's picture books worth $6.0 million (1.2 thousand tonnes). That is 23% more 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 | $6.0M | 1.2K t |
| 2023 | $4.8M | 1.2K t |
| 2022 | $4.9M | 3.4K t |
| 2021 | $4.1M | 1.3K t |
| 2020 | $3.6M | 1.1K t |
| 2019 | $3.8M | 1.3K t |
| 2018 | $3.6M | 1.1K t |
| 2017 | $4.0M | 1.2K t |
Where South Africa imports children's picture books from
One supplier dominates: China accounted for 69% of the value. Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+70% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $4.1M | 69% |
| India | $698K | 12% |
| United Kingdom | $437K | 7.3% |
| Sri Lanka | $178K | 3% |
| Germany | $148K | 2.5% |
| Hong Kong | $78K | 1.3% |
| United States | $76K | 1.3% |
| Malaysia | $75K | 1.3% |
| Vietnam | $31K | 0.5% |
| Italy | $29K | 0.5% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $4.95 per kg, close to the world average of $4.92.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Children's picture books exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported children's picture books worth $463 thousand (71 tonnes). Most of it went to Namibia (39%), Mozambique (15%), Eswatini (15%). Among the main buyer markets, Eswatini grew fastest (+202% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $180K | 39% |
| Mozambique | $71K | 15% |
| Eswatini | $67K | 15% |
| Zambia | $51K | 11% |
| Botswana | $45K | 9.7% |
| Zimbabwe | $13K | 2.8% |
| Ghana | $8K | 1.7% |
| Lesotho | $8K | 1.7% |
| Malawi | $7K | 1.5% |
| Angola | $5K | 1% |
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
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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 4903: Children's picture, drawing or colouring books.
Common questions
What is the value of children's picture books imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported children's picture books worth $6.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.2 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 33rd of 198 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 23% on 2023.
Which countries supply children's picture books to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 69% of the value ($4.1 million), followed by India (12%) and the United Kingdom (7%). The top three together account for 88%, out of 48 supplier countries in total. China grew fastest among the top ten, up 70% on the year.
What is the average import price of children's picture books per kg?
The average declared import value was about $4.95 per kg in 2024, close to the world average of $4.92 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 children's picture books to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $4.0 million in 2017 to $6.0 million in 2024, an increase of 49%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export children's picture books?
Yes. South Africa exported $463 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Namibia, Mozambique and Eswatini. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $5.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for children's picture books?
The HS code for children's picture books is heading 4903. In South Africa all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 4903.00. It sits in HS chapter 49 (printed books, newspapers, pictures and other products of the printing industry; manuscripts, typescripts and plans). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 4903 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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