MDF (3–5 mm) imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported mdf (3–5 mm) worth $8.3 million (18.9 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value fell 36% from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2023, at $13.0 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 | $8.3M | 18.9K t |
| 2023 | $13.0M | 22.8K t |
| 2022 | $11.3M | 21.1K t |
| 2021 | $12.6M | 26.4K t |
| 2020 | $9.3M | 24.1K t |
| 2019 | $8.4M | 20.6K t |
| 2018 | $6.9M | 16.8K t |
| 2017 | $7.4M | 19.4K t |
Where South Africa imports mdf (3–5 mm) from
The largest suppliers were China (35%), Thailand (27%), Brazil (15%). Among the main suppliers, Spain grew fastest (+277% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $2.9M | 36% |
| Thailand | $2.2M | 27% |
| Brazil | $1.3M | 15% |
| Hungary | $868K | 11% |
| Malaysia | $291K | 3.5% |
| Spain | $219K | 2.7% |
| India | $185K | 2.2% |
| Italy | $109K | 1.3% |
| Indonesia | $73K | 0.9% |
| Germany | $31K | 0.4% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.44 per kg, close to the world average of $0.51.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
MDF (3–5 mm) exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $3.5 million of mdf (3–5 mm) in 2024 (3.6 thousand tonnes). Most of it went to Eswatini (28%), Zambia (13%), Zimbabwe (13%). Among the main buyer markets, Angola grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Eswatini | $973K | 28% |
| Zambia | $462K | 13% |
| Zimbabwe | $455K | 13% |
| Botswana | $388K | 11% |
| Namibia | $371K | 11% |
| Mozambique | $325K | 9.3% |
| Kenya | $100K | 2.9% |
| Malawi | $88K | 2.5% |
| Angola | $70K | 2% |
| DR Congo | $69K | 2% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa mdf (3–5 mm) imports (HS 4411.12): 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 4411.12: Medium density fibreboard (MDF), of a thickness not exceeding 5 mm.
Common questions
What is the value of mdf (3–5 mm) imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported mdf (3–5 mm) worth $8.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 18.9 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 36th of 197 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was down 36% on 2023.
Which countries supply mdf (3–5 mm) to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 35% of the value ($2.9 million), followed by Thailand (27%) and Brazil (15%). The top three together account for 77%, out of 25 supplier countries in total. Spain grew fastest among the top ten, up 277% on the year.
What is the average import price of mdf (3–5 mm) per kg?
The average declared import value was about $0.44 per kg in 2024, 14% below the world average of $0.51 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of mdf (3–5 mm) to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $7.4 million in 2017 to $8.3 million in 2024, an increase of 12%. The peak was 2023 at $13.0 million. Over 8 years the average was $9.7 million a year.
Does South Africa also export mdf (3–5 mm)?
Yes. South Africa exported $3.5 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Eswatini, Zambia and Zimbabwe. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $4.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for mdf (3–5 mm)?
The HS code for mdf (3–5 mm) is subheading 4411.12. 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?
For South Africa, EximDataX reads the shipment records of the countries that trade with it and shows the companies on both sides. We can walk you through your product on a short call.
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