Facial tissues and paper towels exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $8.0 million of facial tissues and paper towels in 2024 (3.2 thousand tonnes). That is 9% 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 .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $8.0M | 3.2K t |
| 2023 | $7.3M | 2.9K t |
| 2022 | $7.5M | 3.5K t |
| 2021 | $6.6M | 2.4K t |
| 2020 | $5.8M | 2.7K t |
| 2019 | $6.2M | 2.2K t |
| 2018 | $6.4M | 2.6K t |
| 2017 | $6.6M | 2.4K t |
Where South Africa exports facial tissues and paper towels to
The largest buyer markets were Namibia (34%), Botswana (18%), Saudi Arabia (11%). Among the main buyer markets, Saudi Arabia grew fastest (+100% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $2.7M | 34% |
| Botswana | $1.4M | 18% |
| Saudi Arabia | $877K | 11% |
| Eswatini | $502K | 6.3% |
| Zimbabwe | $501K | 6.3% |
| Mozambique | $490K | 6.2% |
| Zambia | $451K | 5.7% |
| Lesotho | $296K | 3.7% |
| Mauritius | $294K | 3.7% |
| Seychelles | $78K | 1% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.48 per kg, close to the world average of $2.29.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Facial tissues and paper towels imports to South Africa
In 2024, South Africa imported facial tissues and paper towels worth $6.9 million (2.3 thousand tonnes). The largest suppliers were China (38%), Germany (18%), France (17%). Among the main suppliers, Netherlands grew fastest (+76% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $2.6M | 38% |
| Germany | $1.3M | 18% |
| France | $1.2M | 17% |
| Netherlands | $692K | 10% |
| Italy | $652K | 9.4% |
| United States | $110K | 1.6% |
| Slovenia | $86K | 1.2% |
| United Kingdom | $61K | 0.9% |
| Portugal | $60K | 0.9% |
| Taiwan | $50K | 0.7% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa facial tissues and paper towels exports (HS 4818.20): 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 4818.20: Paper articles: handkerchiefs, cleansing or facial tissues and towels.
Common questions
What is the value of facial tissues and paper towels exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported facial tissues and paper towels worth $8.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 3.2 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 51st of 169 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was up 9% on 2023.
Which countries buy facial tissues and paper towels from South Africa?
Namibia was the largest buyer with 34% of the value ($2.7 million), followed by Botswana (18%) and Saudi Arabia (11%). The top three together account for 63%, out of 54 buyer countries in total. Saudi Arabia grew fastest among the top ten, up 100% on the year.
What is the average export price of facial tissues and paper towels per kg?
The average declared export value was about $2.48 per kg in 2024, 8% above the world average of $2.29 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have exports of facial tissues and paper towels from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $6.6 million in 2017 to $8.0 million in 2024, an increase of 21%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $6.8 million a year.
Does South Africa also import facial tissues and paper towels?
Yes. South Africa imported $6.9 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from China, Germany and France. That compares with exports of $8.0 million in the same year.
What is the HS code for facial tissues and paper towels?
The HS code for facial tissues and paper towels is subheading 4818.20. 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 4818 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
For South Africa, EximDataX reads the shipment records of the countries that trade with it and shows the companies on both sides. We can walk you through your product on a short call.
Same product, other countries
World facial tissues and paper towels trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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