Composite paper imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of composite paper by South Africa reached $3.0 million in 2024 (2.2 thousand tonnes). That is 14% less than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2019, at $4.7 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 | $3.0M | 2.2K t |
| 2023 | $3.5M | 2.4K t |
| 2022 | $4.5M | 3.5K t |
| 2021 | $3.1M | 2.9K t |
| 2020 | $3.8M | 2.5K t |
| 2019 | $4.7M | 3.5K t |
| 2018 | $4.6M | 4.2K t |
| 2017 | $3.8M | 3.8K t |
Where South Africa imports composite paper from
Most of the value came from Sweden (47%), Germany (17%), Netherlands (15%). Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+127% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Sweden | $1.4M | 47% |
| Germany | $503K | 17% |
| Netherlands | $459K | 15% |
| China | $317K | 11% |
| United Kingdom | $95K | 3.2% |
| Ukraine | $95K | 3.2% |
| Turkey | $30K | 1% |
| United States | $28K | 0.9% |
| India | $24K | 0.8% |
| Hong Kong | $15K | 0.5% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.38 per kg, close to the world average of $1.17.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Composite paper exports from South Africa
Exports of composite paper by South Africa reached $470 thousand in 2024 (507 tonnes). Most of it went to Zimbabwe (33%), Zambia (19%), Botswana (11%). Among the main buyer markets, Kenya grew fastest (+217% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $154K | 33% |
| Zambia | $90K | 19% |
| Botswana | $53K | 11% |
| Kenya | $46K | 9.8% |
| Sri Lanka | $37K | 7.9% |
| Mozambique | $30K | 6.3% |
| Malawi | $22K | 4.7% |
| Namibia | $16K | 3.5% |
| Eswatini | $9K | 1.9% |
| Lesotho | $7K | 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 4807: Composite paper and paperboard, (made by sticking layers together with an adhesive), not surface-coated or impregnated, whether or not internally reinforced, in rolls or sheets.
Common questions
What is the value of composite paper imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported composite paper worth $3.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 2.2 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 45th of 192 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 14% on 2023.
Which countries supply composite paper to South Africa?
Sweden was the largest supplier with 47% of the value ($1.4 million), followed by Germany (17%) and the Netherlands (15%). The top three together account for 79%, out of 19 supplier countries in total. China grew fastest among the top ten, up 127% on the year.
What is the average import price of composite paper per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.38 per kg in 2024, 18% above the world average of $1.17 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 composite paper to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $3.8 million in 2017 to $3.0 million in 2024, a fall of 22%. The peak was 2019 at $4.7 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export composite paper?
Yes. South Africa exported $470 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $2.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for composite paper?
The HS code for composite paper is heading 4807. In South Africa all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 4807.00. 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 4807 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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