Sawn meranti boards imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
South Africa imported $10.5 million of sawn meranti boards in 2024 (3.6 thousand tonnes). It ranks 5th of 91 countries for imports of this product. The value was almost unchanged from 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 10% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2018, at $23.1 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 | $10.5M | 3.6K t |
| 2023 | $10.5M | 5.4K t |
| 2022 | $13.4M | 6.2K t |
| 2021 | $17.2M | 8.9K t |
| 2020 | $13.7M | 9.4K t |
| 2019 | $21.3M | 13.7K t |
| 2018 | $23.1M | 14.3K t |
| 2017 | $21.4M | 14.4K t |
Where South Africa imports sawn meranti boards from
Malaysia alone supplied 93% of it.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Malaysia | $9.8M | 93% |
| Indonesia | $640K | 6.1% |
| China | $84K | 0.8% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.95 per kg, 144% above the world average of $1.21. 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.
Sawn meranti boards exports from South Africa
South Africa exported $352 thousand of sawn meranti boards in 2024 (305 tonnes). Most of it went to Namibia (47%), Kuwait (29%), Botswana (18%). Among the main buyer markets, Eswatini grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $165K | 47% |
| Kuwait | $101K | 29% |
| Botswana | $63K | 18% |
| Eswatini | $9K | 2.6% |
| Zimbabwe | $6K | 1.8% |
| Mozambique | $4K | 1.1% |
| Malawi | $3K | 0.9% |
| Zambia | $1K | 0.2% |
| Rwanda | $0K | 0.1% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa sawn meranti boards imports (HS 4407.25): 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 4407.25: Wood, tropical: dark red meranti, light red meranti and meranti bakau, sawn or chipped lengthwise, sliced or peeled, whether or not planed, sanded or end-jointed, thicker than 6mm.
Common questions
What is the value of sawn meranti boards imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported sawn meranti boards worth $10.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 3.6 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 5th of 91 countries worldwide, with 5% of world imports. The value was up 1% on 2023.
Which countries supply sawn meranti boards to South Africa?
Malaysia was the largest supplier with 93% of the value ($9.8 million), followed by Indonesia (6%) and China (1%). The top three together account for 100%, out of 3 supplier countries in total. China grew fastest among the top ten, up 56% on the year.
What is the average import price of sawn meranti boards per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.95 per kg in 2024, 144% above the world average of $1.21 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of sawn meranti boards to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $21.4 million in 2017 to $10.5 million in 2024, a fall of 51%. The peak was 2018 at $23.1 million. Over 8 years the average was $16.4 million a year.
Does South Africa also export sawn meranti boards?
Yes. South Africa exported $352 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Namibia, Kuwait and Botswana. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $10.2 million a year.
What is the HS code for sawn meranti boards?
The HS code for sawn meranti boards is subheading 4407.25. It sits in HS chapter 44 (wood and articles of wood; wood charcoal). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 4407 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 sawn meranti boards trade: top importers and exporters
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.