Plasterboard (paper faced) exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, South Africa exported plasterboard (paper faced) worth $15.9 million (31.4 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. The value was almost unchanged from 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 14% a year on average.
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 | $15.9M | 31.4K t |
| 2023 | $15.8M | 30.1K t |
| 2022 | $11.6M | 23.2K t |
| 2021 | $12.0M | 23.1K t |
| 2020 | $9.5M | 25.2K t |
| 2019 | $7.9M | 20.0K t |
| 2018 | $7.9M | 21.1K t |
| 2017 | $6.5M | 14.8K t |
Where South Africa exports plasterboard (paper faced) to
One buyer market dominates: Zimbabwe accounted for 58% of the value.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $9.2M | 58% |
| Zambia | $2.1M | 13% |
| Botswana | $1.5M | 9.3% |
| Mozambique | $1.2M | 7.4% |
| Namibia | $924K | 5.8% |
| Eswatini | $269K | 1.7% |
| Malawi | $204K | 1.3% |
| DR Congo | $105K | 0.7% |
| Lesotho | $97K | 0.6% |
| Sierra Leone | $85K | 0.5% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.51 per kg, 76% above the world average of $0.29. 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.
Plasterboard (paper faced) imports to South Africa
South Africa imported $4.8 million of plasterboard (paper faced) in 2024 (29.6 thousand tonnes). One supplier dominates: China accounted for 56% of the value. Among the main suppliers, Egypt grew fastest (+220% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $2.6M | 56% |
| Saudi Arabia | $1.8M | 38% |
| Egypt | $182K | 3.8% |
| Denmark | $49K | 1% |
| United Arab Emirates | $29K | 0.6% |
| Angola | $21K | 0.5% |
| Germany | $12K | 0.3% |
| Namibia | $11K | 0.2% |
| Spain | $4K | 0.1% |
| India | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa plasterboard (paper faced) exports (HS 6809.11): 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 6809.11: Plaster, or plaster compositions: boards, sheets, panels, tiles and similar articles, faced or reinforced with paper or paperboard only, not ornamented.
Common questions
What is the value of plasterboard (paper faced) exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported plasterboard (paper faced) worth $15.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 31.4 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 30th of 117 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was up 0% on 2023.
Which countries buy plasterboard (paper faced) from South Africa?
Zimbabwe was the largest buyer with 58% of the value ($9.2 million), followed by Zambia (13%) and Botswana (9%). The top three together account for 81%, out of 25 buyer countries in total. The DR Congo grew fastest among the top ten, up 150% on the year.
What is the average export price of plasterboard (paper faced) per kg?
The average declared export value was about $0.51 per kg in 2024, 76% above the world average of $0.29 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of plasterboard (paper faced) from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $6.5 million in 2017 to $15.9 million in 2024, an increase of 144%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $10.9 million a year.
Does South Africa also import plasterboard (paper faced)?
Yes. South Africa imported $4.8 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from China, Saudi Arabia and Egypt. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $11.2 million a year.
What is the HS code for plasterboard (paper faced)?
The HS code for plasterboard (paper faced) is subheading 6809.11. It sits in HS chapter 68 (stone, plaster, cement, asbestos, mica or similar materials; articles thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 6809 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 plasterboard (paper faced) trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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