Mixed paper and cardboard waste exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $7.5 million of mixed paper and cardboard waste in 2024 (48.9 thousand tonnes). That is 15% more than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2022, at $11.1 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 | $7.5M | 48.9K t |
| 2023 | $6.5M | 38.1K t |
| 2022 | $11.1M | 46.0K t |
| 2021 | $9.4M | 43.8K t |
| 2020 | $4.0M | 30.8K t |
| 2019 | $5.2M | 29.5K t |
| 2018 | $9.0M | 48.6K t |
| 2017 | $5.1M | 27.5K t |
Where South Africa exports mixed paper and cardboard waste to
One buyer market dominates: India accounted for 87% of the value.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $6.5M | 87% |
| Tanzania | $316K | 4.2% |
| Senegal | $224K | 3% |
| Thailand | $156K | 2.1% |
| Singapore | $59K | 0.8% |
| Pakistan | $49K | 0.7% |
| Zambia | $35K | 0.5% |
| Kenya | $27K | 0.4% |
| Zimbabwe | $21K | 0.3% |
| Djibouti | $20K | 0.3% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.15 per kg, close to the world average of $0.18.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Mixed paper and cardboard waste imports to South Africa
South Africa imported $2.2 million of mixed paper and cardboard waste in 2024 (19.5 thousand tonnes). One supplier dominates: Morocco accounted for 88% of the value. Among the main suppliers, Morocco grew fastest (+268% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Morocco | $1.9M | 88% |
| Eswatini | $63K | 2.9% |
| Mozambique | $61K | 2.8% |
| Namibia | $57K | 2.6% |
| Zimbabwe | $39K | 1.8% |
| United States | $21K | 1% |
| Botswana | $17K | 0.8% |
| China | $5K | 0.2% |
| Malaysia | $0K | 0% |
| Australia | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa mixed paper and cardboard waste exports (HS 4707.90): 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 4707.90: Paper or paperboard: waste and scrap, of paper or paperboard n.e.c. in heading no. 4707 and of unsorted waste and scrap.
Common questions
What is the value of mixed paper and cardboard waste exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported mixed paper and cardboard waste worth $7.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 48.9 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 33rd of 147 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was up 15% on 2023.
Which countries buy mixed paper and cardboard waste from South Africa?
India was the largest buyer with 87% of the value ($6.5 million), followed by Tanzania (4%) and Senegal (3%). The top three together account for 94%, out of 21 buyer countries in total. Tanzania grew fastest among the top ten, up 368% on the year.
What is the average export price of mixed paper and cardboard waste per kg?
The average declared export value was about $0.15 per kg in 2024, 17% below the world average of $0.18 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have exports of mixed paper and cardboard waste from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $5.1 million in 2017 to $7.5 million in 2024, an increase of 47%. The peak was 2022 at $11.1 million. Over 8 years the average was $7.2 million a year.
Does South Africa also import mixed paper and cardboard waste?
Yes. South Africa imported $2.2 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Morocco, Eswatini and Mozambique. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $5.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for mixed paper and cardboard waste?
The HS code for mixed paper and cardboard waste is subheading 4707.90. 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 4707 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
World mixed paper and cardboard waste trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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