Photographic film imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of photographic film by South Africa reached $22.4 million in 2024 (2.3 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value rose 7% on 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2018, at $31.1 million.
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 | $22.4M | 2.3K t |
| 2023 | $21.0M | 1.6K t |
| 2022 | $27.8M | 2.2K t |
| 2021 | $27.2M | 5.9K t |
| 2020 | $21.7M | 2.9K t |
| 2019 | $28.3M | 15.9K t |
| 2018 | $31.1M | 4.8K t |
| 2017 | $28.3M | 2.9K t |
Where South Africa imports photographic film from
Most of the value came from China (44%), Germany (17%), United States (15%). Among the main suppliers, Spain grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $9.9M | 44% |
| Germany | $3.9M | 17% |
| United States | $3.3M | 15% |
| Japan | $2.0M | 9% |
| Belgium | $1.6M | 7% |
| Spain | $1.3M | 5.8% |
| Brazil | $155K | 0.7% |
| United Kingdom | $92K | 0.4% |
| Netherlands | $88K | 0.4% |
| Austria | $73K | 0.3% |
Product types under HS 3701
| 3701.30 | Photographic plates and film: in the flat, sensitised, unexposed, with any side exceeding 225mm, of any materials other than paper, paperboard or… | 76% |
| 3701.10 | Photographic plates and film: for x-ray, in the flat, sensitised, unexposed, of any material other than paper, paperboard or textiles | 13% |
| 3701.99 | Photographic plates and film: (for other than colour photography), in the flat, sensitised, unexposed, with no side exceeding 255mm, of any material… | 7.8% |
| 3701.20 | Photographic plates and film: instant print film, in the flat, sensitised, unexposed, whether or not in packs | 3% |
| 3701.91 | Photographic plates and film: for colour photography (polychrome), in the flat, sensitised, unexposed, with no side exceeding 255mm, of any material… | 0% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 3701.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $9.70 per kg, 21% below the world average of $12.33, 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.
Photographic film exports from South Africa
Exports of photographic film by South Africa reached $2.1 million in 2024 (102 tonnes). Most of it went to Botswana (20%), Eswatini (19%), Zimbabwe (13%). Among the main buyer markets, Kenya grew fastest (+314% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Botswana | $425K | 20% |
| Eswatini | $398K | 19% |
| Zimbabwe | $269K | 13% |
| Mauritius | $229K | 11% |
| Mozambique | $209K | 9.8% |
| Zambia | $145K | 6.8% |
| Kenya | $129K | 6% |
| Namibia | $65K | 3% |
| Angola | $52K | 2.4% |
| Germany | $36K | 1.7% |
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 3701: Photographic plates and film in the flat, sensitised, unexposed, of any material other than paper, paperboard or textiles; instant print film in the flat, sensitised, unexposed, whether or not in packs.
Common questions
What is the value of photographic film imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported photographic film worth $22.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 2.3 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 38th of 198 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 7% on 2023.
Which countries supply photographic film to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 44% of the value ($9.9 million), followed by Germany (17%) and the United States (15%). The top three together account for 76%, out of 23 supplier countries in total. The United Kingdom grew fastest among the top ten, up 68% on the year.
What is the average import price of photographic film per kg?
The average declared import value was about $9.70 per kg in 2024, 21% below the world average of $12.33 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 imports of photographic film to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $28.3 million in 2017 to $22.4 million in 2024, a fall of 21%. The peak was 2018 at $31.1 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also export photographic film?
Yes. South Africa exported $2.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Botswana, Eswatini and Zimbabwe. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $20.2 million a year.
What is the HS code for photographic film?
The HS code for photographic film is heading 3701. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 3701.30 (76% of the value) and 3701.10 (13%). It sits in HS chapter 37 (photographic or cinematographic goods). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3701 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.
More trade data for South Africa
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