Printed matter (other types) imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, South Africa imported printed matter (other types) worth $12.1 million (904 tonnes). Value rose 16% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 8% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2018, at $24.8 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 | $12.1M | 904 t |
| 2023 | $10.5M | 688 t |
| 2022 | $12.9M | 629 t |
| 2021 | $12.1M | 789 t |
| 2020 | $11.0M | 843 t |
| 2019 | $19.4M | 1.7K t |
| 2018 | $24.8M | 2.7K t |
| 2017 | $21.9M | 2.2K t |
Where South Africa imports printed matter (other types) from
Most of the value came from Belgium (46%), Germany (12%), China (10%). Among the main suppliers, Greece grew fastest (+319% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Belgium | $5.6M | 46% |
| Germany | $1.4M | 12% |
| China | $1.2M | 10% |
| United States | $603K | 5% |
| Greece | $596K | 4.9% |
| Netherlands | $571K | 4.7% |
| India | $228K | 1.9% |
| United Kingdom | $188K | 1.6% |
| Austria | $185K | 1.5% |
| Italy | $183K | 1.5% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $13.44 per kg, close to the world average of $12.97.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Printed matter (other types) exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $6.1 million of printed matter (other types) in 2024 (3.3 thousand tonnes). Most of it went to Botswana (18%), Namibia (17%), Zambia (10%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 45%. Among the main buyer markets, Madagascar grew fastest (+525% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Botswana | $1.1M | 18% |
| Namibia | $1.0M | 17% |
| Zambia | $640K | 11% |
| Madagascar | $468K | 7.6% |
| Zimbabwe | $438K | 7.2% |
| Eswatini | $303K | 5% |
| Tanzania | $253K | 4.1% |
| Mozambique | $248K | 4.1% |
| United Kingdom | $242K | 4% |
| Central African Republic | $208K | 3.4% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa printed matter (other types) imports (HS 4911.99): 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 4911.99: Printed matter: n.e.c. in heading no. 4911.
Common questions
What is the value of printed matter (other types) imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported printed matter (other types) worth $12.1 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 904 tonnes. That ranks it 63rd of 222 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 16% on 2023.
Which countries supply printed matter (other types) to South Africa?
Belgium was the largest supplier with 46% of the value ($5.6 million), followed by Germany (12%) and China (10%). The top three together account for 68%, out of 90 supplier countries in total. Greece grew fastest among the top ten, up 319% on the year.
What is the average import price of printed matter (other types) per kg?
The average declared import value was about $13.44 per kg in 2024, close to the world average of $12.97 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of printed matter (other types) to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $21.9 million in 2017 to $12.1 million in 2024, a fall of 45%. The peak was 2018 at $24.8 million. Over 8 years the average was $15.6 million a year.
Does South Africa also export printed matter (other types)?
Yes. South Africa exported $6.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Botswana, Namibia and Zambia. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $6.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for printed matter (other types)?
The HS code for printed matter (other types) is subheading 4911.99. It sits in HS chapter 49 (printed books, newspapers, pictures and other products of the printing industry; manuscripts, typescripts and plans). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 4911 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, so the companies shipping to and from it are visible. Ask for a live look at your product.
Same product, other countries
World printed matter (other types) trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
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