Paper and cellulose articles (other) exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, South Africa exported paper and cellulose articles (other) worth $7.2 million (3.6 thousand tonnes). That is close to the 2023 level. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
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 | $7.2M | 3.6K t |
| 2023 | $7.1M | 3.2K t |
| 2022 | $5.4M | 3.0K t |
| 2021 | $5.2M | 2.3K t |
| 2020 | $5.9M | 2.4K t |
| 2019 | $4.9M | 2.7K t |
| 2018 | $4.7M | 3.1K t |
| 2017 | $5.4M | 3.0K t |
Where South Africa exports paper and cellulose articles (other) to
The largest buyer markets were Zimbabwe (28%), Botswana (21%), Namibia (20%). Among the main buyer markets, Malawi grew fastest (+124% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $2.0M | 28% |
| Botswana | $1.5M | 21% |
| Namibia | $1.5M | 21% |
| Eswatini | $520K | 7.3% |
| Mozambique | $507K | 7.1% |
| Zambia | $379K | 5.3% |
| Malawi | $179K | 2.5% |
| DR Congo | $133K | 1.9% |
| Mauritius | $107K | 1.5% |
| Lesotho | $89K | 1.2% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.01 per kg, 38% below the world average of $3.25, 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.
Paper and cellulose articles (other) imports to South Africa
South Africa imported $5.0 million of paper and cellulose articles (other) in 2024 (2.4 thousand tonnes). The largest suppliers were China (40%), Germany (21%), United Kingdom (15%). Among the main suppliers, Germany grew fastest (+132% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $2.0M | 40% |
| Germany | $1.0M | 21% |
| United Kingdom | $737K | 15% |
| Colombia | $726K | 15% |
| Italy | $142K | 2.9% |
| United States | $103K | 2.1% |
| Netherlands | $63K | 1.3% |
| Turkey | $61K | 1.2% |
| South Korea | $23K | 0.5% |
| France | $17K | 0.4% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa paper and cellulose articles (other) exports (HS 4818.90): 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 4818.90: Paper articles: articles of paper, cellulose wadding or fibres, n.e.c. in heading no. 4818.
Common questions
What is the value of paper and cellulose articles (other) exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported paper and cellulose articles (other) worth $7.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 3.6 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 35th of 156 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was up 1% on 2023.
Which countries buy paper and cellulose articles (other) from South Africa?
Zimbabwe was the largest buyer with 28% of the value ($2.0 million), followed by Botswana (21%) and Namibia (20%). The top three together account for 70%, out of 47 buyer countries in total. Malawi grew fastest among the top ten, up 124% on the year.
What is the average export price of paper and cellulose articles (other) per kg?
The average declared export value was about $2.01 per kg in 2024, 38% below the world average of $3.25 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of paper and cellulose articles (other) from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $5.4 million in 2017 to $7.2 million in 2024, an increase of 33%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $5.7 million a year.
Does South Africa also import paper and cellulose articles (other)?
Yes. South Africa imported $5.0 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from China, Germany and the United Kingdom. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $2.2 million a year.
What is the HS code for paper and cellulose articles (other)?
The HS code for paper and cellulose articles (other) is subheading 4818.90. 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 4818 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 paper and cellulose articles (other) trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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