Recycled pulp exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, South Africa exported recycled pulp worth $4.3 million (7.4 thousand tonnes). Value fell 11% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 17% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2022, at $13.6 million.
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 | $4.3M | 7.4K t |
| 2023 | $4.8M | 9.1K t |
| 2022 | $13.6M | 28.1K t |
| 2021 | $2.8M | 9.2K t |
| 2020 | $6.1M | 25.7K t |
| 2019 | $2.4M | 9.9K t |
| 2018 | $3.1M | 9.1K t |
| 2017 | $1.5M | 6.2K t |
Where South Africa exports recycled pulp to
One buyer market dominates: Saudi Arabia accounted for 88% of the value.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia | $3.7M | 88% |
| Nigeria | $199K | 4.7% |
| India | $182K | 4.3% |
| Belgium | $76K | 1.8% |
| Eswatini | $34K | 0.8% |
| Namibia | $6K | 0.1% |
| Mozambique | $5K | 0.1% |
| United Arab Emirates | $4K | 0.1% |
| Zimbabwe | $4K | 0.1% |
| Botswana | $1K | 0% |
Product types under HS 4706
| 4706.93 | Pulp: of fibrous cellulosic material, other than of bamboo or fibres derived from recovered (waste and scrap) paper or paperboard or from cotton… | 88% |
| 4706.20 | Pulp: of fibres derived from recovered (waste and scrap) paper or paperboard | 7.4% |
| 4706.92 | Pulp: of fibrous cellulosic material, other than of bamboo or fibres derived from recovered (waste and scrap) paper or paperboard or from cotton… | 4.5% |
| 4706.10 | Pulp: cotton linters pulp | 0.2% |
| 4706.91 | Pulp: of fibrous cellulosic material, other than of bamboo or fibres derived from recovered (waste and scrap) paper or paperboard or from cotton… | 0% |
| 4706.30 | Pulp: of bamboo | 0% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 4706.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.58 per kg, 41% above the world average of $0.41. 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.
Recycled pulp imports to South Africa
In 2024, South Africa imported recycled pulp worth $1.2 million (1.2 thousand tonnes). Most of the value came from Hungary (40%), Germany (29%), United States (13%). Among the main suppliers, Botswana grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Hungary | $490K | 40% |
| Germany | $348K | 29% |
| United States | $161K | 13% |
| China | $150K | 12% |
| Botswana | $37K | 3% |
| Italy | $24K | 2% |
| Namibia | $4K | 0.3% |
| United Kingdom | $0K | 0% |
| Zambia | $0K | 0% |
| Hong Kong | $0K | 0% |
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 4706: Pulps of fibres derived from recovered (waste and scrap) paper or paperboard or of other fibrous cellulosic material.
Common questions
What is the value of recycled pulp exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported recycled pulp worth $4.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 7.4 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 32nd of 106 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was down 11% on 2023.
Which countries buy recycled pulp from South Africa?
Saudi Arabia was the largest buyer with 88% of the value ($3.7 million), followed by Nigeria (5%) and India (4%). The top three together account for 97%, out of 13 buyer countries in total. Belgium grew fastest among the top ten, up 136% on the year.
What is the average export price of recycled pulp per kg?
The average declared export value was about $0.58 per kg in 2024, 41% above the world average of $0.41 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 exports of recycled pulp from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $1.5 million in 2017 to $4.3 million in 2024, an increase of 192%. The peak was 2022 at $13.6 million. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import recycled pulp?
Yes. South Africa imported $1.2 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Hungary, Germany and the United States. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $3.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for recycled pulp?
The HS code for recycled pulp is heading 4706. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 4706.93 (88% of the value) and 4706.20 (7%). It sits in HS chapter 47 (pulp of wood or other fibrous cellulosic material; recovered (waste and scrap) paper or paperboard). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 4706 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.
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