Paper envelopes and stationery exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of paper envelopes and stationery by South Africa reached $2.7 million in 2024 (694 tonnes). That is 4% less than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2018, at $3.6 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 | $2.7M | 694 t |
| 2023 | $2.8M | 675 t |
| 2022 | $2.2M | 547 t |
| 2021 | $2.4M | 605 t |
| 2020 | $2.2M | 779 t |
| 2019 | $3.6M | 1.1K t |
| 2018 | $3.6M | 1.3K t |
| 2017 | $3.4M | 1.2K t |
Where South Africa exports paper envelopes and stationery to
The largest buyer markets were Namibia (25%), Botswana (15%), Madagascar (11%). Among the main buyer markets, Zambia grew fastest (+80% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $680K | 25% |
| Botswana | $403K | 15% |
| Madagascar | $304K | 11% |
| Eswatini | $254K | 9.5% |
| Zambia | $241K | 9% |
| Mozambique | $169K | 6.3% |
| Malawi | $166K | 6.2% |
| Zimbabwe | $101K | 3.8% |
| Lesotho | $88K | 3.3% |
| DR Congo | $46K | 1.7% |
Product types under HS 4817
| 4817.10 | Paper and paperboard: envelopes | 81% |
| 4817.20 | Paper and paperboard: letter cards, plain postcards and correspondence cards | 9.9% |
| 4817.30 | Paper and paperboard: boxes, pouches, wallets and writing compendiums containing an assortment of paper stationery | 9.5% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 4817.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $3.85 per kg, 21% above the world average of $3.17. 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 and stationery imports to South Africa
In 2024, South Africa imported paper envelopes and stationery worth $902 thousand (612 tonnes). One supplier dominates: China accounted for 69% of the value. Among the main suppliers, India grew fastest (+127% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $622K | 69% |
| Malaysia | $112K | 12% |
| India | $39K | 4.3% |
| United States | $36K | 4% |
| United Kingdom | $17K | 1.9% |
| Canada | $17K | 1.9% |
| Turkey | $12K | 1.3% |
| Italy | $8K | 0.9% |
| Germany | $7K | 0.8% |
| Spain | $6K | 0.6% |
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 4817: Envelopes, letter cards, plain postcards and correspondence cards, of paper, paperboard; boxes, pouches, wallets and writing compendiums, of paper or paperboard containing assortment of paper stationery.
Common questions
What is the value of paper envelopes and stationery exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported paper envelopes and stationery worth $2.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 694 tonnes. That ranks it 39th of 172 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was down 4% on 2023.
Which countries buy paper envelopes and stationery from South Africa?
Namibia was the largest buyer with 25% of the value ($680 thousand), followed by Botswana (15%) and Madagascar (11%). The top three together account for 52%, out of 78 buyer countries in total. Zambia grew fastest among the top ten, up 80% on the year.
What is the average export price of paper envelopes and stationery per kg?
The average declared export value was about $3.85 per kg in 2024, 21% above the world average of $3.17 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 exports of paper envelopes and stationery from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $3.4 million in 2017 to $2.7 million in 2024, a fall of 22%. The peak was 2018 at $3.6 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import paper envelopes and stationery?
Yes. South Africa imported $902 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 $1.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for paper envelopes and stationery?
The HS code for paper envelopes and stationery is heading 4817. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 4817.10 (81% of the value) and 4817.20 (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?
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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