Large paper sacks and bags exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, South Africa exported large paper sacks and bags worth $5.5 million (2.1 thousand tonnes). That is 17% more than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2022, at $7.3 million.
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 | 2.1K t |
| 2023 | $4.7M | 2.9K t |
| 2022 | $7.3M | 2.9K t |
| 2021 | $6.4M | 3.0K t |
| 2020 | $5.2M | 2.6K t |
| 2019 | $5.1M | 2.5K t |
| 2018 | $5.2M | 2.5K t |
| 2017 | $3.6M | 1.6K t |
Where South Africa exports large paper sacks and bags to
One buyer market dominates: Namibia accounted for 56% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, DR Congo grew fastest (+436% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $3.0M | 56% |
| Botswana | $814K | 15% |
| Eswatini | $597K | 11% |
| Mozambique | $508K | 9.3% |
| DR Congo | $171K | 3.1% |
| Lesotho | $124K | 2.3% |
| Republic of the Congo | $61K | 1.1% |
| Zimbabwe | $27K | 0.5% |
| Seychelles | $20K | 0.4% |
| Malawi | $18K | 0.3% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.59 per kg, 20% above the world average of $2.15. This usually points to higher-grade or processed goods.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Large paper sacks and bags imports to South Africa
South Africa imported $2.4 million of large paper sacks and bags in 2024 (888 tonnes). The largest suppliers were China (34%), Belgium (19%), Netherlands (19%). Among the main suppliers, Italy grew fastest (+42% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $821K | 34% |
| Belgium | $458K | 19% |
| Netherlands | $451K | 19% |
| Italy | $339K | 14% |
| Brazil | $165K | 6.9% |
| Spain | $96K | 4% |
| Saudi Arabia | $29K | 1.2% |
| United States | $6K | 0.2% |
| France | $6K | 0.2% |
| Hungary | $4K | 0.2% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa large paper sacks and bags exports (HS 4819.30): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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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 4819.30: Paper and paperboard: sacks and bags of paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding or fibres, having a base of a width of 40cm or more.
Common questions
What is the value of large paper sacks and bags exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported large paper sacks and bags worth $5.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 2.1 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 40th of 148 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was up 17% on 2023.
Which countries buy large paper sacks and bags from South Africa?
Namibia was the largest buyer with 56% of the value ($3.0 million), followed by Botswana (15%) and Eswatini (11%). The top three together account for 82%, out of 43 buyer countries in total. The Republic of the Congo grew fastest among the top ten, up 624% on the year.
What is the average export price of large paper sacks and bags per kg?
The average declared export value was about $2.59 per kg in 2024, 20% above the world average of $2.15 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have exports of large paper sacks and bags from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $3.6 million in 2017 to $5.5 million in 2024, an increase of 53%. The peak was 2022 at $7.3 million. Over 8 years the average was $5.4 million a year.
Does South Africa also import large paper sacks and bags?
Yes. South Africa imported $2.4 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from China, Belgium and the Netherlands. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $3.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for large paper sacks and bags?
The HS code for large paper sacks and bags is subheading 4819.30. 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 4819 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
World large paper sacks and bags trade: top importers and exporters
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