Paper articles imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported paper articles worth $44.9 million (14.2 thousand tonnes). Value rose 8% on 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 | $44.9M | 14.2K t |
| 2023 | $41.7M | 13.2K t |
| 2022 | $43.3M | 14.0K t |
| 2021 | $38.7M | 10.8K t |
| 2020 | $29.7M | 10.1K t |
| 2019 | $37.1M | 12.7K t |
| 2018 | $39.7M | 12.4K t |
| 2017 | $35.4M | 11.2K t |
Where South Africa imports paper articles from
Most of the value came from China (34%), Germany (29%), Italy (12%). Among the main suppliers, Spain grew fastest (+152% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $15.1M | 34% |
| Germany | $13.2M | 29% |
| Italy | $5.3M | 12% |
| United Kingdom | $2.6M | 5.8% |
| United States | $2.2M | 4.9% |
| Netherlands | $927K | 2.1% |
| Spain | $773K | 1.7% |
| Taiwan | $770K | 1.7% |
| India | $749K | 1.7% |
| Sweden | $729K | 1.6% |
Product types under HS 4823
| 4823.20 | Paper and paperboard: filter paper and paperboard | 45% |
| 4823.90 | Paper pulp, paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding or webs of cellulose fibres: articles n.e.c. in heading no. 4823 | 27% |
| 4823.69 | Paper and paperboard: trays, dishes, plates, cups and the like, of paper or paperboard other than of bamboo | 20% |
| 4823.70 | Paper pulp: moulded or pressed articles or paper pulp | 5.5% |
| 4823.40 | Paper and paperboard: rolls, sheets and dials, printed for self-recording apparatus | 1.4% |
| 4823.61 | Paper and paperboard: trays, dishes, plates, cups and the like, of bamboo paper or paperboard | 0.1% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 4823.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $3.17 per kg, close to the world average of $2.82.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Paper articles exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported paper articles worth $16.5 million (7.3 thousand tonnes). Most of it went to Botswana (19%), Namibia (16%), Tanzania (15%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 49%. Among the main buyer markets, Mauritius grew fastest (+102% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Botswana | $3.0M | 19% |
| Namibia | $2.7M | 16% |
| Tanzania | $2.4M | 15% |
| Mozambique | $1.5M | 9.3% |
| Eswatini | $1.4M | 8.4% |
| Zimbabwe | $1.1M | 6.6% |
| Zambia | $931K | 5.7% |
| China | $680K | 4.1% |
| Lesotho | $578K | 3.5% |
| Mauritius | $266K | 1.6% |
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
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.
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 4823: Paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding and webs of cellulose fibres; cut to size or shape, articles of paper pulp, paper and paper-board, cellulose wadding or webs of cellulose fibres, n.e.c. in chapter 48.
Common questions
What is the value of paper articles imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported paper articles worth $44.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 14.2 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 49th of 225 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 8% on 2023.
Which countries supply paper articles to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 34% of the value ($15.1 million), followed by Germany (29%) and Italy (12%). The top three together account for 75%, out of 86 supplier countries in total. Spain grew fastest among the top ten, up 152% on the year.
What is the average import price of paper articles per kg?
The average declared import value was about $3.17 per kg in 2024, 12% above the world average of $2.82 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 paper articles to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $35.4 million in 2017 to $44.9 million in 2024, an increase of 27%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export paper articles?
Yes. South Africa exported $16.5 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Botswana, Namibia and Tanzania. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $28.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for paper articles?
The HS code for paper articles is heading 4823. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 4823.20 (45% of the value) and 4823.90 (27%). 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?
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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