Printed paper labels exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of printed paper labels by South Africa reached $22.8 million in 2024 (4.6 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. Value rose 9% on 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 | $22.8M | 4.6K t |
| 2023 | $20.9M | 5.0K t |
| 2022 | $19.8M | 5.7K t |
| 2021 | $21.1M | 6.9K t |
| 2020 | $16.6M | 6.8K t |
| 2019 | $25.4M | 5.7K t |
| 2018 | $19.2M | 5.2K t |
| 2017 | $16.5M | 3.4K t |
Where South Africa exports printed paper labels to
The largest buyer markets were Mozambique (27%), Namibia (23%), Zambia (16%). Among the main buyer markets, Malawi grew fastest (+97% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Mozambique | $6.2M | 27% |
| Namibia | $5.2M | 23% |
| Zambia | $3.6M | 16% |
| Malawi | $1.9M | 8.3% |
| Eswatini | $1.7M | 7.4% |
| Zimbabwe | $1.6M | 7% |
| Botswana | $678K | 3% |
| Lesotho | $594K | 2.6% |
| Tanzania | $305K | 1.3% |
| Angola | $209K | 0.9% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $4.97 per kg, 24% below the world average of $6.52, 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.
Printed paper labels imports to South Africa
In 2024, South Africa imported printed paper labels worth $8.9 million (1.1 thousand tonnes). The largest suppliers were Germany (46%), China (21%), United Arab Emirates (12%). Among the main suppliers, United Arab Emirates grew fastest (+715% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $4.1M | 46% |
| China | $1.9M | 21% |
| United Arab Emirates | $1.1M | 12% |
| United Kingdom | $332K | 3.7% |
| Thailand | $236K | 2.7% |
| United States | $173K | 1.9% |
| Spain | $110K | 1.2% |
| France | $95K | 1.1% |
| Belgium | $93K | 1% |
| Italy | $72K | 0.8% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa printed paper labels exports (HS 4821.10): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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.
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 4821.10: Paper and paperboard: labels or all kinds, printed.
Common questions
What is the value of printed paper labels exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported printed paper labels worth $22.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 4.6 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 29th of 192 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was up 9% on 2023.
Which countries buy printed paper labels from South Africa?
Mozambique was the largest buyer with 27% of the value ($6.2 million), followed by Namibia (23%) and Zambia (16%). The top three together account for 66%, out of 101 buyer countries in total. Malawi grew fastest among the top ten, up 97% on the year.
What is the average export price of printed paper labels per kg?
The average declared export value was about $4.97 per kg in 2024, 24% below the world average of $6.52 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of printed paper labels from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $16.5 million in 2017 to $22.8 million in 2024, an increase of 38%. The peak was 2019 at $25.4 million. Over 8 years the average was $20.3 million a year.
Does South Africa also import printed paper labels?
Yes. South Africa imported $8.9 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 $13.9 million a year.
What is the HS code for printed paper labels?
The HS code for printed paper labels is subheading 4821.10. 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?
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 printed paper labels trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for South Africa
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
Everything we show you comes from official customs filings — records, not claims. 30 minutes. Your shipment. Your HS code. Real platform. If you don’t see something new about your market by the end of the call, we walk away. No follow-ups.