Paper finishing agent imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of paper finishing agent by South Africa reached $5.7 million in 2024 (2.9 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 12% more than in 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 | $5.7M | 2.9K t |
| 2023 | $5.1M | 3.0K t |
| 2022 | $4.5M | 2.8K t |
| 2021 | $4.0M | 2.1K t |
| 2020 | $4.6M | 2.3K t |
| 2019 | $5.5M | 2.5K t |
| 2018 | $6.1M | 3.1K t |
| 2017 | $6.4M | 3.2K t |
Where South Africa imports paper finishing agent from
Most of the value came from Austria (36%), United States (25%), India (13%). Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+244% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Austria | $2.0M | 36% |
| United States | $1.4M | 25% |
| India | $729K | 13% |
| Germany | $364K | 6.4% |
| Taiwan | $356K | 6.3% |
| China | $257K | 4.5% |
| Finland | $159K | 2.8% |
| Spain | $138K | 2.4% |
| United Kingdom | $117K | 2.1% |
| Sweden | $106K | 1.9% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.94 per kg, 87% above the world average of $1.04. 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 finishing agent exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $841 thousand of paper finishing agent in 2024 (392 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Brazil (30%), Zimbabwe (16%), Kenya (15%). Among the main buyer markets, Nigeria grew fastest (+246% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Brazil | $250K | 30% |
| Zimbabwe | $137K | 16% |
| Kenya | $125K | 15% |
| Pakistan | $115K | 14% |
| Nigeria | $46K | 5.4% |
| Singapore | $41K | 4.9% |
| Eswatini | $36K | 4.3% |
| Cote d'Ivoire | $30K | 3.5% |
| Lesotho | $20K | 2.4% |
| Malawi | $17K | 2% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa paper finishing agent imports (HS 3809.92): 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 3809.92: Finishing agents and dye carriers: to accelerate dyeing or fixing of dye-stuffs, other products and preparations, used in the paper industry (excluding those with a basis of amylaceous substances).
Common questions
What is the value of paper finishing agent imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported paper finishing agent worth $5.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 2.9 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 44th of 160 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 12% on 2023.
Which countries supply paper finishing agent to South Africa?
Austria was the largest supplier with 36% of the value ($2.0 million), followed by the United States (25%) and India (13%). The top three together account for 73%, out of 18 supplier countries in total. China grew fastest among the top ten, up 244% on the year.
What is the average import price of paper finishing agent per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.94 per kg in 2024, 87% above the world average of $1.04 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 finishing agent to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $6.4 million in 2017 to $5.7 million in 2024, a fall of 11%. The peak was 2017 at $6.4 million. Over 8 years the average was $5.2 million a year.
Does South Africa also export paper finishing agent?
Yes. South Africa exported $841 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Brazil, Zimbabwe and Kenya. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $4.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for paper finishing agent?
The HS code for paper finishing agent is subheading 3809.92. It sits in HS chapter 38 (chemical products n.e.c.). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3809 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 finishing agent trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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