Mechanical wood pulp imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of mechanical wood pulp by South Africa reached $2.8 million in 2024 (5.1 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value rose 7% on 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2018, at $4.9 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 | $2.8M | 5.1K t |
| 2023 | $2.6M | 4.1K t |
| 2022 | $3.5M | 6.6K t |
| 2021 | $3.1M | 6.8K t |
| 2020 | $1.6M | 3.7K t |
| 2019 | $3.3M | 7.7K t |
| 2018 | $4.9M | 10.3K t |
| 2017 | $2.0M | 4.7K t |
Where South Africa imports mechanical wood pulp from
One supplier dominates: Norway accounted for 82% of the value. Among the main suppliers, Germany grew fastest (+130% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Norway | $2.3M | 82% |
| Spain | $310K | 11% |
| Germany | $155K | 5.6% |
| United States | $16K | 0.6% |
| United Kingdom | $12K | 0.4% |
| Italy | $3K | 0.1% |
| Zambia | $0K | 0% |
| Mali | $0K | 0% |
| China | $0K | 0% |
| Namibia | $0K | 0% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.54 per kg, close to the world average of $0.52.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
Public statistics stop at country totals and the last published year. EximDataX shows the shipment records underneath: the companies, dates, quantities and declared values, updated weekly.
Shipment records are in the platform
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Mirror data: built from the shipment records of the countries that trade with it.
Updated weekly on EximDataX (some markets daily), while public statistics stop at 2024.
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 4701: Wood pulp, mechanical wood pulp.
Common questions
What is the value of mechanical wood pulp imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported mechanical wood pulp worth $2.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 5.1 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 19th of 110 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 7% on 2023.
Which countries supply mechanical wood pulp to South Africa?
Norway was the largest supplier with 82% of the value ($2.3 million), followed by Spain (11%) and Germany (6%). The top three together account for 99%, out of 11 supplier countries in total. Germany grew fastest among the top ten, up 130% on the year.
What is the average import price of mechanical wood pulp per kg?
The average declared import value was about $0.54 per kg in 2024, close to the world average of $0.52 per kg. It is total declared value divided by total weight, so it blends every grade and size; use it as a benchmark, not a quote. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
How have imports of mechanical wood pulp to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $2.0 million in 2017 to $2.8 million in 2024, an increase of 40%. The peak was 2018 at $4.9 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
What is the HS code for mechanical wood pulp?
The HS code for mechanical wood pulp is heading 4701. In South Africa all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 4701.00. It sits in HS chapter 47 (pulp of wood or other fibrous cellulosic material; recovered (waste and scrap) paper or paperboard). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 4701 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
Public statistics stop at country totals. EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, updated weekly, so you can see the companies that ship to and from it. Tell us your product and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
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