Molded paper pulp articles imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $2.5 million of molded paper pulp articles in 2024 (1.2 thousand tonnes). That is 6% less than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
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 | $2.5M | 1.2K t |
| 2023 | $2.6M | 1.0K t |
| 2022 | $2.8M | 1.0K t |
| 2021 | $2.7M | 1.2K t |
| 2020 | $1.1M | 604 t |
| 2019 | $2.5M | 891 t |
| 2018 | $2.0M | 712 t |
| 2017 | $1.5M | 541 t |
Where South Africa imports molded paper pulp articles from
China alone supplied 91% of it. Among the main suppliers, Malaysia grew fastest (+57% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $2.3M | 91% |
| Malaysia | $143K | 5.8% |
| India | $40K | 1.6% |
| Germany | $12K | 0.5% |
| Japan | $8K | 0.3% |
| Italy | $7K | 0.3% |
| United States | $5K | 0.2% |
| Belgium | $2K | 0.1% |
| Taiwan | $2K | 0.1% |
| Hong Kong | $1K | 0.1% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.02 per kg, close to the world average of $2.35.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Molded paper pulp articles exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported molded paper pulp articles worth $1.2 million (807 tonnes). Most of it went to Mozambique (22%), Lesotho (16%), Chile (12%). Among the main buyer markets, Zambia grew fastest (+338% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Mozambique | $268K | 22% |
| Lesotho | $196K | 16% |
| Chile | $145K | 12% |
| Botswana | $141K | 12% |
| Zimbabwe | $140K | 12% |
| Zambia | $88K | 7.3% |
| Eswatini | $65K | 5.4% |
| New Zealand | $58K | 4.8% |
| Namibia | $41K | 3.4% |
| Netherlands | $26K | 2.1% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa molded paper pulp articles imports (HS 4823.70): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
Tell us what you trade and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
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 4823.70: Paper pulp: moulded or pressed articles or paper pulp.
Common questions
What is the value of molded paper pulp articles imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported molded paper pulp articles worth $2.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.2 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 66th of 213 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 6% on 2023.
Which countries supply molded paper pulp articles to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 91% of the value ($2.3 million), followed by Malaysia (6%) and India (2%). The top three together account for 98%, out of 35 supplier countries in total. Japan grew fastest among the top ten, up 127% on the year.
What is the average import price of molded paper pulp articles per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.02 per kg in 2024, 14% below the world average of $2.35 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of molded paper pulp articles to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $1.5 million in 2017 to $2.5 million in 2024, an increase of 66%. The peak was 2022 at $2.8 million. Over 8 years the average was $2.2 million a year.
Does South Africa also export molded paper pulp articles?
Yes. South Africa exported $1.2 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Mozambique, Lesotho and Chile. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $1.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for molded paper pulp articles?
The HS code for molded paper pulp articles is subheading 4823.70. It sits in HS chapter 48 (paper and paperboard; articles of paper pulp, of paper or paperboard). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 4823 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.
Same product, other countries
World molded paper pulp articles trade: top importers and exporters
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