MDF (>9 mm) exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $16.8 million of mdf (>9 mm) in 2024 (41.6 thousand tonnes). That is 23% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 19% a year on average.
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 | $16.8M | 41.6K t |
| 2023 | $13.6M | 25.9K t |
| 2022 | $12.2M | 21.3K t |
| 2021 | $12.1M | 21.4K t |
| 2020 | $8.2M | 18.5K t |
| 2019 | $6.5M | 13.9K t |
| 2018 | $8.2M | 15.6K t |
| 2017 | $5.0M | 10.1K t |
Where South Africa exports mdf (>9 mm) to
One buyer market dominates: Zimbabwe accounted for 60% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, Tanzania grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $10.0M | 60% |
| Botswana | $1.1M | 6.5% |
| Tanzania | $1.1M | 6.5% |
| Mozambique | $1.0M | 6.1% |
| Namibia | $1.0M | 6% |
| Kenya | $733K | 4.4% |
| Zambia | $664K | 4% |
| Malawi | $419K | 2.5% |
| United Arab Emirates | $179K | 1.1% |
| Nigeria | $124K | 0.7% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.40 per kg, 29% below the world average of $0.56, 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.
MDF (>9 mm) imports to South Africa
Imports of mdf (>9 mm) by South Africa reached $5.2 million in 2024 (15.0 thousand tonnes). Most of the value came from China (30%), Germany (15%), Brazil (15%). Among the main suppliers, Bulgaria grew fastest (+33% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $1.6M | 30% |
| Germany | $795K | 15% |
| Brazil | $779K | 15% |
| Spain | $616K | 12% |
| Turkey | $418K | 8% |
| Malawi | $244K | 4.7% |
| Malaysia | $125K | 2.4% |
| Belgium | $111K | 2.1% |
| Austria | $106K | 2% |
| Bulgaria | $91K | 1.7% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa mdf (>9 mm) exports (HS 4411.14): 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 4411.14: Medium density fibreboard (MDF), of a thickness exceeding 9 mm.
Common questions
What is the value of mdf (>9 mm) exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported mdf (>9 mm) worth $16.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 41.6 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 33rd of 124 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was up 23% on 2023.
Which countries buy mdf (>9 mm) from South Africa?
Zimbabwe was the largest buyer with 60% of the value ($10.0 million), followed by Botswana (6%) and Tanzania (6%). The top three together account for 73%, out of 34 buyer countries in total. Malawi grew fastest among the top ten, up 258% on the year.
What is the average export price of mdf (>9 mm) per kg?
The average declared export value was about $0.40 per kg in 2024, 29% below the world average of $0.56 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have exports of mdf (>9 mm) from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $5.0 million in 2017 to $16.8 million in 2024, an increase of 236%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $10.3 million a year.
Does South Africa also import mdf (>9 mm)?
Yes. South Africa imported $5.2 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from China, Germany and Brazil. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $11.6 million a year.
What is the HS code for mdf (>9 mm)?
The HS code for mdf (>9 mm) is subheading 4411.14. 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?
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.
Same product, other countries
More trade data for South Africa
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