Paper and pulp articles (other) imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $12.3 million of paper and pulp articles (other) in 2024 (5.1 thousand tonnes). Value fell 4% from 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 | $12.3M | 5.1K t |
| 2023 | $12.9M | 5.6K t |
| 2022 | $12.9M | 5.9K t |
| 2021 | $10.0M | 3.6K t |
| 2020 | $7.1M | 4.7K t |
| 2019 | $9.3M | 5.0K t |
| 2018 | $10.1M | 4.7K t |
| 2017 | $8.6M | 4.1K t |
Where South Africa imports paper and pulp articles (other) from
Most of the value came from China (37%), Germany (14%), Italy (9%). Among the main suppliers, Spain grew fastest (+303% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $4.6M | 37% |
| Germany | $1.8M | 14% |
| Italy | $1.1M | 8.7% |
| United States | $807K | 6.6% |
| Sweden | $677K | 5.5% |
| Spain | $650K | 5.3% |
| India | $541K | 4.4% |
| Netherlands | $474K | 3.9% |
| United Kingdom | $419K | 3.4% |
| Czech Republic | $323K | 2.6% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.41 per kg, close to the world average of $2.53.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Paper and pulp articles (other) exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported paper and pulp articles (other) worth $8.2 million (3.7 thousand tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Tanzania (29%), Botswana (13%), Namibia (13%). Among the main buyer markets, Angola grew fastest (+169% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Tanzania | $2.3M | 29% |
| Botswana | $1.1M | 13% |
| Namibia | $1.0M | 13% |
| Mozambique | $759K | 9.2% |
| China | $680K | 8.3% |
| Eswatini | $648K | 7.9% |
| Zimbabwe | $478K | 5.8% |
| Zambia | $269K | 3.3% |
| Angola | $179K | 2.2% |
| Mauritius | $146K | 1.8% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa paper and pulp articles (other) imports (HS 4823.90): 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 4823.90: Paper pulp, paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding or webs of cellulose fibres: articles n.e.c. in heading no. 4823.
Common questions
What is the value of paper and pulp articles (other) imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported paper and pulp articles (other) worth $12.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 5.1 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 62nd of 223 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 4% on 2023.
Which countries supply paper and pulp articles (other) to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 37% of the value ($4.6 million), followed by Germany (14%) and Italy (9%). The top three together account for 60%, out of 73 supplier countries in total. Spain grew fastest among the top ten, up 303% on the year.
What is the average import price of paper and pulp articles (other) per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.41 per kg in 2024, close to the world average of $2.53 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of paper and pulp articles (other) to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $8.6 million in 2017 to $12.3 million in 2024, an increase of 43%. The peak was 2022 at $12.9 million. Over 8 years the average was $10.4 million a year.
Does South Africa also export paper and pulp articles (other)?
Yes. South Africa exported $8.2 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Tanzania, Botswana and Namibia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $4.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for paper and pulp articles (other)?
The HS code for paper and pulp articles (other) is subheading 4823.90. 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 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 paper and pulp articles (other) trade: top importers and exporters
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