Corrugated cardboard exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $5.5 million of corrugated cardboard in 2024 (5.2 thousand tonnes). Value fell 8% from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $5.5M | 5.2K t |
| 2023 | $6.0M | 5.0K t |
| 2022 | $4.7M | 3.8K t |
| 2021 | $6.2M | 4.2K t |
| 2020 | $4.2M | 4.5K t |
| 2019 | $3.4M | 3.7K t |
| 2018 | $5.9M | 4.8K t |
| 2017 | $5.1M | 5.1K t |
Where South Africa exports corrugated cardboard to
Namibia alone took 61% of it.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $3.4M | 61% |
| Zimbabwe | $616K | 11% |
| Botswana | $358K | 6.5% |
| Mozambique | $263K | 4.8% |
| Zambia | $159K | 2.9% |
| Madagascar | $157K | 2.8% |
| Malawi | $128K | 2.3% |
| Seychelles | $87K | 1.6% |
| Lesotho | $86K | 1.6% |
| United States | $71K | 1.3% |
Product types under HS 4808
| 4808.10 | Paper and paperboard: corrugated, whether or not perforated, in rolls or sheets, other than paper of heading 4803 | 71% |
| 4808.90 | Paper and paperboard: other than corrugated (with or without glued flat surface sheets) or kraft paper, creped or crinkled, whether or not embossed… | 26% |
| 4808.40 | Paper and paperboard: kraft paper, creped or crinkled, whether or not embossed or perforated, in rolls or sheets, other than paper of heading 4803 | 3.5% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 4808.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.06 per kg, close to the world average of $1.23.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Corrugated cardboard imports to South Africa
In 2024, South Africa imported corrugated cardboard worth $4.0 million (1.6 thousand tonnes). Most of the value came from China (25%), United Kingdom (18%), France (9%). Among the main suppliers, United Kingdom grew fastest (+112% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $1.0M | 25% |
| United Kingdom | $743K | 18% |
| France | $368K | 9.1% |
| Germany | $349K | 8.7% |
| Denmark | $344K | 8.5% |
| Spain | $223K | 5.5% |
| Sweden | $158K | 3.9% |
| United States | $125K | 3.1% |
| Brazil | $119K | 2.9% |
| Italy | $117K | 2.9% |
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 4808: Paper and paperboard, corrugated (with or without glued flat surface sheets), creped, crinkled, embossed or perforated, in rolls or sheets other than paper of the kind described in heading 4803.
Common questions
What is the value of corrugated cardboard exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported corrugated cardboard worth $5.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 5.2 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 41st of 139 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was down 8% on 2023.
Which countries buy corrugated cardboard from South Africa?
Namibia was the largest buyer with 61% of the value ($3.4 million), followed by Zimbabwe (11%) and Botswana (6%). The top three together account for 79%, out of 35 buyer countries in total. Lesotho grew fastest among the top ten, up 186% on the year.
What is the average export price of corrugated cardboard per kg?
The average declared export value was about $1.06 per kg in 2024, 14% below the world average of $1.23 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 exports of corrugated cardboard from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $5.1 million in 2017 to $5.5 million in 2024, an increase of 9%. The peak was 2021 at $6.2 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import corrugated cardboard?
Yes. South Africa imported $4.0 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from China, the United Kingdom and France. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $1.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for corrugated cardboard?
The HS code for corrugated cardboard is heading 4808. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 4808.10 (71% of the value) and 4808.90 (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 4808 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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