Pastel chalk imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of pastel chalk by South Africa reached $5.9 million in 2024 (2.2 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 9% 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 | $5.9M | 2.2K t |
| 2023 | $5.4M | 2.4K t |
| 2022 | $5.4M | 2.4K t |
| 2021 | $4.6M | 1.9K t |
| 2020 | $3.9M | 1.6K t |
| 2019 | $5.3M | 2.1K t |
| 2018 | $5.6M | 1.9K t |
| 2017 | $5.2M | 2.1K t |
Where South Africa imports pastel chalk from
Most of the value came from China (48%), Thailand (17%), South Korea (17%). Among the main suppliers, Peru grew fastest (+702% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $2.9M | 48% |
| Thailand | $1.0M | 17% |
| South Korea | $1.0M | 17% |
| Vietnam | $378K | 6.4% |
| Peru | $262K | 4.4% |
| India | $81K | 1.4% |
| Germany | $69K | 1.2% |
| United Kingdom | $60K | 1% |
| Taiwan | $53K | 0.9% |
| United States | $34K | 0.6% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.69 per kg, 28% below the world average of $3.76, which often means bulk or lower-grade product.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Pastel chalk exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported pastel chalk worth $701 thousand (214 tonnes). Most of it went to Namibia (33%), Botswana (21%), Eswatini (15%). Among the main buyer markets, Malawi grew fastest (+547% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $235K | 33% |
| Botswana | $144K | 21% |
| Eswatini | $102K | 15% |
| Zambia | $53K | 7.6% |
| Zimbabwe | $48K | 6.9% |
| Malawi | $38K | 5.4% |
| Lesotho | $29K | 4.2% |
| Mozambique | $26K | 3.8% |
| Angola | $6K | 0.9% |
| Mauritius | $5K | 0.8% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa pastel chalk imports (HS 9609.90): 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 9609.90: Pastels, drawing charcoals, writing or drawing chalks, tailors' chalk.
Common questions
What is the value of pastel chalk imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported pastel chalk worth $5.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 2.2 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 18th of 215 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 9% on 2023.
Which countries supply pastel chalk to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 48% of the value ($2.9 million), followed by Thailand (17%) and South Korea (17%). The top three together account for 82%, out of 41 supplier countries in total. Peru grew fastest among the top ten, up 702% on the year.
What is the average import price of pastel chalk per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.69 per kg in 2024, 28% below the world average of $3.76 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of pastel chalk to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $5.2 million in 2017 to $5.9 million in 2024, an increase of 14%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $5.2 million a year.
Does South Africa also export pastel chalk?
Yes. South Africa exported $701 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Namibia, Botswana and Eswatini. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $5.2 million a year.
What is the HS code for pastel chalk?
The HS code for pastel chalk is subheading 9609.90. It sits in HS chapter 96 (miscellaneous manufactured articles). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 9609 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
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