Cigarette paper (narrow rolls) imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $5.2 million of cigarette paper (narrow rolls) in 2024 (1.5 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 12% more than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2019, at $7.1 million.
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 | $5.2M | 1.5K t |
| 2023 | $4.6M | 1.5K t |
| 2022 | $6.3M | 1.5K t |
| 2021 | $4.8M | 1.2K t |
| 2020 | $6.3M | 1.8K t |
| 2019 | $7.1M | 1.7K t |
| 2018 | $5.6M | 1.3K t |
| 2017 | $4.9M | 1.1K t |
Where South Africa imports cigarette paper (narrow rolls) from
Most of the value came from Austria (35%), France (30%), China (11%). Among the main suppliers, Germany grew fastest (+116% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Austria | $1.8M | 35% |
| France | $1.6M | 30% |
| China | $588K | 11% |
| Indonesia | $481K | 9.3% |
| Brazil | $305K | 5.9% |
| Germany | $246K | 4.8% |
| Czech Republic | $85K | 1.7% |
| United Arab Emirates | $59K | 1.2% |
| Spain | $2K | 0% |
| United States | $0K | 0% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $3.37 per kg, close to the world average of $3.50.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Cigarette paper (narrow rolls) exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $1.4 million of cigarette paper (narrow rolls) in 2024 (862 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Zimbabwe (32%), Saudi Arabia (28%), Zambia (25%). Among the main buyer markets, Botswana grew fastest (+611% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $450K | 32% |
| Saudi Arabia | $406K | 29% |
| Zambia | $362K | 25% |
| Botswana | $97K | 6.8% |
| Netherlands | $37K | 2.6% |
| Malawi | $27K | 1.9% |
| Mozambique | $22K | 1.6% |
| Eswatini | $16K | 1.1% |
| Namibia | $7K | 0.5% |
| Angola | $1K | 0.1% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa cigarette paper (narrow rolls) imports (HS 4813.20): 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 4813.20: Paper, cigarette: in rolls of a width not exceeding 5cm.
Common questions
What is the value of cigarette paper (narrow rolls) imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported cigarette paper (narrow rolls) worth $5.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.5 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 38th of 162 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 12% on 2023.
Which countries supply cigarette paper (narrow rolls) to South Africa?
Austria was the largest supplier with 35% of the value ($1.8 million), followed by France (30%) and China (11%). The top three together account for 77%, out of 13 supplier countries in total. Germany grew fastest among the top ten, up 116% on the year.
What is the average import price of cigarette paper (narrow rolls) per kg?
The average declared import value was about $3.37 per kg in 2024, close to the world average of $3.50 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of cigarette paper (narrow rolls) to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $4.9 million in 2017 to $5.2 million in 2024, an increase of 5%. The peak was 2019 at $7.1 million. Over 8 years the average was $5.6 million a year.
Does South Africa also export cigarette paper (narrow rolls)?
Yes. South Africa exported $1.4 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zimbabwe, Saudi Arabia and Zambia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $3.7 million a year.
What is the HS code for cigarette paper (narrow rolls)?
The HS code for cigarette paper (narrow rolls) is subheading 4813.20. 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?
EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, so the companies shipping to and from it are visible. Ask for a live look at your product.
Same product, other countries
World cigarette paper (narrow rolls) trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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