Paper labels exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, South Africa exported paper labels worth $38.5 million (7.1 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports 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 .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $38.5M | 7.1K t |
| 2023 | $34.4M | 7.9K t |
| 2022 | $33.5M | 8.4K t |
| 2021 | $31.3M | 9.4K t |
| 2020 | $24.6M | 8.8K t |
| 2019 | $37.8M | 8.0K t |
| 2018 | $33.1M | 7.6K t |
| 2017 | $29.4M | 6.3K t |
Where South Africa exports paper labels to
The largest buyer markets were Mozambique (25%), Namibia (21%), Zambia (12%). Among the main buyer markets, Tanzania grew fastest (+124% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Mozambique | $9.6M | 25% |
| Namibia | $8.1M | 21% |
| Zambia | $4.6M | 12% |
| Eswatini | $3.9M | 10% |
| Malawi | $2.8M | 7.2% |
| Botswana | $2.4M | 6.3% |
| Lesotho | $2.2M | 5.8% |
| Zimbabwe | $2.0M | 5.3% |
| Tanzania | $798K | 2.1% |
| Angola | $447K | 1.2% |
Product types under HS 4821
| 4821.10 | Paper and paperboard: labels or all kinds, printed | 59% |
| 4821.90 | Paper and paperboard: labels of all kinds, unprinted | 41% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 4821.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $5.46 per kg, close to the world average of $6.14.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Paper labels imports to South Africa
South Africa imported $11.1 million of paper labels in 2024 (14.5 thousand tonnes). The largest suppliers were Germany (39%), China (26%), United Arab Emirates (10%). Among the main suppliers, United Arab Emirates grew fastest (+706% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $4.3M | 39% |
| China | $2.9M | 26% |
| United Arab Emirates | $1.1M | 9.9% |
| United Kingdom | $372K | 3.4% |
| United States | $367K | 3.3% |
| Netherlands | $270K | 2.4% |
| Thailand | $255K | 2.3% |
| France | $121K | 1.1% |
| Spain | $119K | 1.1% |
| Belgium | $112K | 1% |
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 4821: Paper or paperboard labels of all kinds, whether or not printed.
Common questions
What is the value of paper labels exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported paper labels worth $38.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 7.1 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 24th of 197 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was up 12% on 2023.
Which countries buy paper labels from South Africa?
Mozambique was the largest buyer with 25% of the value ($9.6 million), followed by Namibia (21%) and Zambia (12%). The top three together account for 58%, out of 112 buyer countries in total. Tanzania grew fastest among the top ten, up 124% on the year.
What is the average export price of paper labels per kg?
The average declared export value was about $5.46 per kg in 2024, 11% below the world average of $6.14 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 labels from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $29.4 million in 2017 to $38.5 million in 2024, an increase of 31%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import paper labels?
Yes. South Africa imported $11.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Germany, China and the United Arab Emirates. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $27.4 million a year.
What is the HS code for paper labels?
The HS code for paper labels is heading 4821. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 4821.10 (59% of the value) and 4821.90 (41%). 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 4821 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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