Lithographic printing plates imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported lithographic printing plates worth $2.4 million (335 tonnes). Value fell 28% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 6% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2021, at $5.2 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 | $2.4M | 335 t |
| 2023 | $3.4M | 269 t |
| 2022 | $3.8M | 161 t |
| 2021 | $5.2M | 266 t |
| 2020 | $3.4M | 1.7K t |
| 2019 | $3.3M | 256 t |
| 2018 | $3.7M | 607 t |
| 2017 | $3.8M | 252 t |
Where South Africa imports lithographic printing plates from
The largest suppliers were United Arab Emirates (19%), Germany (12%), Switzerland (11%). Trade is spread widely: the top three suppliers together make up only 42%. Among the main suppliers, United States grew fastest (+246% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United Arab Emirates | $466K | 19% |
| Germany | $299K | 12% |
| Switzerland | $268K | 11% |
| China | $235K | 9.6% |
| Italy | $232K | 9.5% |
| Poland | $204K | 8.4% |
| India | $183K | 7.5% |
| United Kingdom | $155K | 6.4% |
| United States | $117K | 4.8% |
| Canada | $78K | 3.2% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $7.28 per kg, 42% below the world average of $12.57, which often means bulk or lower-grade product.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Lithographic printing plates exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported lithographic printing plates worth $4.0 million (451 tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. The largest buyer markets were China (30%), United States (15%), Zimbabwe (14%). Among the main buyer markets, United Kingdom grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $1.2M | 30% |
| United States | $598K | 15% |
| Zimbabwe | $540K | 14% |
| Zambia | $233K | 5.8% |
| United Kingdom | $230K | 5.8% |
| Namibia | $222K | 5.6% |
| Malawi | $191K | 4.8% |
| Mauritius | $183K | 4.6% |
| India | $168K | 4.2% |
| Mexico | $94K | 2.4% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa lithographic printing plates imports (HS 8442.50): 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 8442.50: Plates, cylinders and other printing components: lithographic stones prepared for printing purposes (for example, planed, grained or polished).
Common questions
What is the value of lithographic printing plates imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported lithographic printing plates worth $2.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 335 tonnes. That ranks it 56th of 193 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 28% on 2023.
Which countries supply lithographic printing plates to South Africa?
The United Arab Emirates was the largest supplier with 19% of the value ($466 thousand), followed by Germany (12%) and Switzerland (11%). The top three together account for 42%, out of 31 supplier countries in total. The United States grew fastest among the top ten, up 246% on the year.
What is the average import price of lithographic printing plates per kg?
The average declared import value was about $7.28 per kg in 2024, 42% below the world average of $12.57 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of lithographic printing plates to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $3.8 million in 2017 to $2.4 million in 2024, a fall of 35%. The peak was 2021 at $5.2 million. Over 8 years the average was $3.6 million a year.
Does South Africa also export lithographic printing plates?
Yes. South Africa exported $4.0 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to China, the United States and Zimbabwe. That compares with imports of $2.4 million in the same year.
What is the HS code for lithographic printing plates?
The HS code for lithographic printing plates is subheading 8442.50. It sits in HS chapter 84 (machinery and mechanical appliances, boilers, nuclear reactors; parts thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 8442 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 lithographic printing plates trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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