Cigarette paper imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of cigarette paper by South Africa reached $24.4 million in 2024 (5.9 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 4% 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 | $24.4M | 5.9K t |
| 2023 | $23.5M | 5.3K t |
| 2022 | $24.6M | 4.9K t |
| 2021 | $24.0M | 4.8K t |
| 2020 | $21.1M | 5.5K t |
| 2019 | $26.9M | 5.0K t |
| 2018 | $21.6M | 4.4K t |
| 2017 | $22.7M | 4.9K t |
Where South Africa imports cigarette paper from
The largest suppliers were Austria (24%), China (23%), France (13%). Among the main suppliers, Czech Republic grew fastest (+362% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Austria | $5.8M | 24% |
| China | $5.7M | 23% |
| France | $3.0M | 13% |
| Brazil | $1.8M | 7.3% |
| Belgium | $1.8M | 7.3% |
| Indonesia | $1.4M | 5.8% |
| Germany | $1.3M | 5.3% |
| Spain | $1.3M | 5.2% |
| Bulgaria | $834K | 3.4% |
| Czech Republic | $725K | 3% |
Product types under HS 4813
| 4813.90 | Paper, cigarette: (other than in rolls of a width not exceeding 5cm, or in booklets or tubes) | 53% |
| 4813.10 | Paper, cigarette: in the form of booklets or tubes | 26% |
| 4813.20 | Paper, cigarette: in rolls of a width not exceeding 5cm | 21% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 4813.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $4.15 per kg, 27% below the world average of $5.65, which often means bulk or lower-grade product.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Cigarette paper exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported cigarette paper worth $9.0 million (2.4 thousand tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Zimbabwe (29%), Nigeria (23%), Kenya (13%). Among the main buyer markets, Botswana grew fastest (+150% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $2.6M | 29% |
| Nigeria | $2.1M | 23% |
| Kenya | $1.2M | 13% |
| Botswana | $748K | 8.3% |
| Zambia | $616K | 6.9% |
| Saudi Arabia | $412K | 4.6% |
| Eswatini | $241K | 2.7% |
| Mauritius | $236K | 2.6% |
| Senegal | $188K | 2.1% |
| Republic of the Congo | $124K | 1.4% |
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 4813: Cigarette paper, whether or not cut to size or in the form of booklets or tubes.
Common questions
What is the value of cigarette paper imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported cigarette paper worth $24.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 5.9 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 30th of 205 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 4% on 2023.
Which countries supply cigarette paper to South Africa?
Austria was the largest supplier with 24% of the value ($5.8 million), followed by China (23%) and France (13%). The top three together account for 60%, out of 29 supplier countries in total. The Czech Republic grew fastest among the top ten, up 362% on the year.
What is the average import price of cigarette paper per kg?
The average declared import value was about $4.15 per kg in 2024, 27% below the world average of $5.65 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 cigarette paper to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $22.7 million in 2017 to $24.4 million in 2024, an increase of 7%. The peak was 2019 at $26.9 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export cigarette paper?
Yes. South Africa exported $9.0 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zimbabwe, Nigeria and Kenya. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $15.4 million a year.
What is the HS code for cigarette paper?
The HS code for cigarette paper is heading 4813. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 4813.90 (53% of the value) and 4813.10 (26%). 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 4813 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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