Large format film imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $17.1 million of large format film in 2024 (2.3 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 11% more than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2018, at $25.9 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 | $17.1M | 2.3K t |
| 2023 | $15.4M | 1.5K t |
| 2022 | $21.2M | 2.0K t |
| 2021 | $21.6M | 5.7K t |
| 2020 | $16.5M | 2.8K t |
| 2019 | $21.9M | 15.7K t |
| 2018 | $25.9M | 4.6K t |
| 2017 | $22.4M | 2.7K t |
Where South Africa imports large format film from
China alone supplied 53% of it. Among the main suppliers, Spain grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $9.0M | 53% |
| Germany | $3.6M | 21% |
| Belgium | $1.3M | 7.7% |
| Spain | $1.3M | 7.6% |
| United States | $1.2M | 7.2% |
| Japan | $447K | 2.6% |
| Brazil | $154K | 0.9% |
| Italy | $12K | 0.1% |
| Taiwan | $10K | 0.1% |
| Australia | $5K | 0% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $7.56 per kg, close to the world average of $8.23.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Large format film exports from South Africa
Exports of large format film by South Africa reached $805 thousand in 2024 (59 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Zimbabwe (23%), Mozambique (22%), Mauritius (13%). Among the main buyer markets, Kenya grew fastest (+435% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $184K | 23% |
| Mozambique | $180K | 22% |
| Mauritius | $107K | 13% |
| Kenya | $92K | 11% |
| Zambia | $58K | 7.2% |
| Eswatini | $36K | 4.5% |
| Germany | $26K | 3.2% |
| Angola | $26K | 3.2% |
| Malawi | $21K | 2.6% |
| Tanzania | $20K | 2.5% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa large format film imports (HS 3701.30): 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 3701.30: Photographic plates and film: in the flat, sensitised, unexposed, with any side exceeding 225mm, of any materials other than paper, paperboard or textiles.
Common questions
What is the value of large format film imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported large format film worth $17.1 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 2.3 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 36th of 184 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 11% on 2023.
Which countries supply large format film to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 53% of the value ($9.0 million), followed by Germany (21%) and Belgium (8%). The top three together account for 82%, out of 12 supplier countries in total. Japan grew fastest among the top ten, up 61% on the year.
What is the average import price of large format film per kg?
The average declared import value was about $7.56 per kg in 2024, 8% below the world average of $8.23 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of large format film to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $22.4 million in 2017 to $17.1 million in 2024, a fall of 24%. The peak was 2018 at $25.9 million. Over 8 years the average was $20.3 million a year.
Does South Africa also export large format film?
Yes. South Africa exported $805 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Mauritius. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $16.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for large format film?
The HS code for large format film is subheading 3701.30. It sits in HS chapter 37 (photographic or cinematographic goods). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3701 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
The totals here are public statistics; EximDataX adds the company names by reading partner countries' customs records for South Africa. Tell us your product to see it live.
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