Fibreboard imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported fibreboard worth $40.4 million (80.4 thousand tonnes). Value fell 19% from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2021, at $59.2 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 | $40.4M | 80.4K t |
| 2023 | $49.8M | 95.1K t |
| 2022 | $52.5M | 87.2K t |
| 2021 | $59.2M | 106.7K t |
| 2020 | $50.4M | 100.9K t |
| 2019 | $48.9M | 279.4K t |
| 2018 | $42.3M | 73.2K t |
| 2017 | $47.9M | 92.3K t |
Where South Africa imports fibreboard from
Most of the value came from China (21%), Thailand (18%), Spain (13%).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $8.5M | 21% |
| Thailand | $7.1M | 18% |
| Spain | $5.4M | 13% |
| Germany | $4.7M | 12% |
| Brazil | $4.0M | 9.8% |
| Turkey | $1.8M | 4.4% |
| Poland | $1.6M | 3.9% |
| Malaysia | $1.4M | 3.6% |
| Hungary | $1.0M | 2.6% |
| Latvia | $760K | 1.9% |
Product types under HS 4411
| 4411.92 | Fibreboard (other than MDF) of a density exceeding 0.8g/cm3, of wood or other ligneous materials, bonded or not with resins or other organic… | 49% |
| 4411.12 | Medium density fibreboard (MDF), of a thickness not exceeding 5 mm | 20% |
| 4411.14 | Medium density fibreboard (MDF), of a thickness exceeding 9 mm | 13% |
| 4411.13 | Medium density fibreboard (MDF), of a thickness exceeding 5 mm but not exceeding 9 mm | 12% |
| 4411.94 | Fibreboard (other than MDF) of a density not exceeding 0.5g/cm3, of wood or other ligneous materials, bonded or not with resins or other organic… | 5.5% |
| 4411.93 | Fibreboard (other than MDF) of a density exceeding 0.5g/cm3 but not 0.8g/cm3, of wood or other ligneous materials, bonded or not with resins or other… | 0.7% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 4411.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.50 per kg, close to the world average of $0.60.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Fibreboard exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $22.5 million of fibreboard in 2024 (48.2 thousand tonnes). Most of it went to Zimbabwe (47%), Namibia (8%), Botswana (7%). Among the main buyer markets, Tanzania grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $10.6M | 47% |
| Namibia | $1.8M | 8.2% |
| Botswana | $1.7M | 7.5% |
| Mozambique | $1.7M | 7.4% |
| Zambia | $1.3M | 5.7% |
| Eswatini | $1.2M | 5.5% |
| Tanzania | $1.1M | 4.9% |
| Kenya | $897K | 4% |
| Malawi | $617K | 2.7% |
| Angola | $333K | 1.5% |
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 4411: Fibreboard of wood or other ligneous materials, whether or not bonded with resins or other organic substances.
Common questions
What is the value of fibreboard imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported fibreboard worth $40.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 80.4 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 58th of 215 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 19% on 2023.
Which countries supply fibreboard to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 21% of the value ($8.5 million), followed by Thailand (18%) and Spain (13%). The top three together account for 52%, out of 50 supplier countries in total. Spain grew fastest among the top ten, up 22% on the year.
What is the average import price of fibreboard per kg?
The average declared import value was about $0.50 per kg in 2024, 17% below the world average of $0.60 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 fibreboard to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $47.9 million in 2017 to $40.4 million in 2024, a fall of 16%. The peak was 2021 at $59.2 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export fibreboard?
Yes. South Africa exported $22.5 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zimbabwe, Namibia and Botswana. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $17.9 million a year.
What is the HS code for fibreboard?
The HS code for fibreboard is heading 4411. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 4411.92 (49% of the value) and 4411.12 (20%). It sits in HS chapter 44 (wood and articles of wood; wood charcoal). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 4411 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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