Handmade paper exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of handmade paper by South Africa reached $2.5 million in 2024 (1.3 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 2%. That is 4% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 11% a year on average.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
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Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $2.5M | 1.3K t |
| 2023 | $2.4M | 1.1K t |
| 2022 | $2.3M | 1.4K t |
| 2021 | $1.6M | 1.1K t |
| 2020 | $716K | 552 t |
| 2019 | $1.0M | 586 t |
| 2018 | $1.6M | 888 t |
| 2017 | $1.2M | 736 t |
Where South Africa exports handmade paper to
Botswana alone took 53% of it. Among the main buyer markets, Botswana grew fastest (+52% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Botswana | $1.3M | 53% |
| Eswatini | $661K | 27% |
| Namibia | $118K | 4.8% |
| France | $87K | 3.5% |
| Netherlands | $65K | 2.6% |
| Lesotho | $56K | 2.3% |
| Mozambique | $52K | 2.1% |
| Zimbabwe | $44K | 1.8% |
| Mauritania | $22K | 0.9% |
| Malawi | $22K | 0.9% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.87 per kg, close to the world average of $2.19.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Handmade paper imports to South Africa
Imports of handmade paper by South Africa reached $582 thousand in 2024 (746 tonnes). China alone supplied 94% of it. Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+434% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $549K | 94% |
| Pakistan | $10K | 1.7% |
| India | $6K | 1.1% |
| Spain | $3K | 0.6% |
| Italy | $3K | 0.5% |
| Namibia | $2K | 0.4% |
| United Kingdom | $2K | 0.3% |
| Japan | $2K | 0.3% |
| Luxembourg | $1K | 0.3% |
| United States | $1K | 0.2% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa handmade paper exports (HS 4802.10): 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 4802.10: Hand-made paper or paperboard.
Common questions
What is the value of handmade paper exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported handmade paper worth $2.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.3 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 13th of 119 countries worldwide, with 2% of world exports. The value was up 4% on 2023.
Which countries buy handmade paper from South Africa?
Botswana was the largest buyer with 53% of the value ($1.3 million), followed by Eswatini (27%) and Namibia (5%). The top three together account for 85%, out of 38 buyer countries in total. Malawi grew fastest among the top ten, up 560% on the year.
What is the average export price of handmade paper per kg?
The average declared export value was about $1.87 per kg in 2024, 15% below the world average of $2.19 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of handmade paper from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $1.2 million in 2017 to $2.5 million in 2024, an increase of 108%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $1.7 million a year.
Does South Africa also import handmade paper?
Yes. South Africa imported $582 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly from China, Pakistan and India. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $1.9 million a year.
What is the HS code for handmade paper?
The HS code for handmade paper is subheading 4802.10. 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 4802 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.
Same product, other countries
More trade data for South Africa
- Printing paper 40-150g/m2 (small sheets)
- Printing paper 40-150g/m2 (large sheets)
- Mechanical pulp printing paper (rolls)
- Printing paper 40-150g/m2 (rolls)
- Mechanical pulp printing paper (large sheets)
- Heavyweight printing paper (over 150g/m2)
- Mechanical pulp printing paper (small sheets)
- All South Africa trade data
- HS 4802 codes
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