Paper envelopes exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of paper envelopes by South Africa reached $2.2 million in 2024 (520 tonnes). That is 5% more than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2019, at $2.8 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 | $2.2M | 520 t |
| 2023 | $2.1M | 512 t |
| 2022 | $1.8M | 475 t |
| 2021 | $1.9M | 491 t |
| 2020 | $1.4M | 494 t |
| 2019 | $2.8M | 870 t |
| 2018 | $2.7M | 900 t |
| 2017 | $2.5M | 900 t |
Where South Africa exports paper envelopes to
Most of it went to Namibia (28%), Botswana (15%), Madagascar (14%). Among the main buyer markets, Malawi grew fastest (+35% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $600K | 28% |
| Botswana | $327K | 15% |
| Madagascar | $303K | 14% |
| Eswatini | $209K | 9.7% |
| Malawi | $158K | 7.3% |
| Mozambique | $155K | 7.2% |
| Zambia | $113K | 5.3% |
| Zimbabwe | $91K | 4.2% |
| Lesotho | $61K | 2.8% |
| DR Congo | $35K | 1.6% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $4.14 per kg, 42% above the world average of $2.92. This usually points to higher-grade or processed goods.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Paper envelopes imports to South Africa
In 2024, South Africa imported paper envelopes worth $580 thousand (165 tonnes). One supplier dominates: China accounted for 69% of the value. Among the main suppliers, India grew fastest (+357% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $402K | 69% |
| Malaysia | $72K | 12% |
| India | $34K | 5.9% |
| United States | $26K | 4.4% |
| Canada | $17K | 2.9% |
| United Kingdom | $11K | 1.8% |
| Netherlands | $5K | 0.8% |
| United Arab Emirates | $4K | 0.6% |
| Italy | $3K | 0.5% |
| Germany | $1K | 0.2% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa paper envelopes exports (HS 4817.10): 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 4817.10: Paper and paperboard: envelopes.
Common questions
What is the value of paper envelopes exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported paper envelopes worth $2.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 520 tonnes. That ranks it 34th of 158 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was up 5% on 2023.
Which countries buy paper envelopes from South Africa?
Namibia was the largest buyer with 28% of the value ($600 thousand), followed by Botswana (15%) and Madagascar (14%). The top three together account for 57%, out of 54 buyer countries in total. Malawi grew fastest among the top ten, up 35% on the year.
What is the average export price of paper envelopes per kg?
The average declared export value was about $4.14 per kg in 2024, 42% above the world average of $2.92 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have exports of paper envelopes from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $2.5 million in 2017 to $2.2 million in 2024, a fall of 13%. The peak was 2019 at $2.8 million. Over 8 years the average was $2.2 million a year.
Does South Africa also import paper envelopes?
Yes. South Africa imported $580 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly from China, Malaysia and India. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $1.6 million a year.
What is the HS code for paper envelopes?
The HS code for paper envelopes is subheading 4817.10. 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 4817 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.
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