Colored pencil imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of colored pencil by South Africa reached $11.5 million in 2024 (3.3 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. The value was almost unchanged from 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 | $11.5M | 3.3K t |
| 2023 | $11.8M | 2.7K t |
| 2022 | $12.4M | 2.8K t |
| 2021 | $8.9M | 2.1K t |
| 2020 | $8.5M | 2.1K t |
| 2019 | $11.9M | 2.7K t |
| 2018 | $11.2M | 2.2K t |
| 2017 | $10.9M | 2.2K t |
Where South Africa imports colored pencil from
Most of the value came from China (48%), Germany (28%), South Korea (10%). Among the main suppliers, South Korea grew fastest (+45% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $5.5M | 48% |
| Germany | $3.2M | 28% |
| South Korea | $1.2M | 11% |
| France | $837K | 7.3% |
| Indonesia | $183K | 1.6% |
| Brazil | $114K | 1% |
| United States | $110K | 1% |
| India | $79K | 0.7% |
| Thailand | $72K | 0.6% |
| United Kingdom | $50K | 0.4% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $3.47 per kg, 49% below the world average of $6.79, 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.
Colored pencil exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $1.3 million of colored pencil in 2024 (378 tonnes). Most of it went to Namibia (43%), Botswana (24%), Eswatini (8%). Among the main buyer markets, Lesotho grew fastest (+47% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $541K | 43% |
| Botswana | $309K | 24% |
| Eswatini | $98K | 7.7% |
| Lesotho | $82K | 6.5% |
| Zambia | $58K | 4.6% |
| Mozambique | $54K | 4.3% |
| Zimbabwe | $34K | 2.6% |
| France | $19K | 1.5% |
| Angola | $12K | 1% |
| Malawi | $11K | 0.9% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa colored pencil imports (HS 9609.10): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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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 9609.10: Pencils and crayons: with leads encased in rigid sheath.
Common questions
What is the value of colored pencil imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported colored pencil worth $11.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 3.3 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 30th of 219 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was down 3% on 2023.
Which countries supply colored pencil to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 48% of the value ($5.5 million), followed by Germany (28%) and South Korea (10%). The top three together account for 86%, out of 48 supplier countries in total. South Korea grew fastest among the top ten, up 45% on the year.
What is the average import price of colored pencil per kg?
The average declared import value was about $3.47 per kg in 2024, 49% below the world average of $6.79 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of colored pencil to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $10.9 million in 2017 to $11.5 million in 2024, an increase of 6%. The peak was 2022 at $12.4 million. Over 8 years the average was $10.9 million a year.
Does South Africa also export colored pencil?
Yes. South Africa exported $1.3 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Namibia, Botswana and Eswatini. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $10.2 million a year.
What is the HS code for colored pencil?
The HS code for colored pencil is subheading 9609.10. It sits in HS chapter 96 (miscellaneous manufactured articles). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 9609 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.
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